F 

1210 


.2. 


tf  THE  CONQUEROR.  "Jf 


TRAGEDY, 


IN  FIVE  ACTS. 


{FOUNDED  ON  THE  CONQUEST  O?  MEXICO.] 


BY  LEWIS  F.  THOMAS, 


AUTHOR  OF  ••X^TDA,"  AND  OTHER  POSH3. 


WASHINGTON  CITY: 

PUBLISHED  BY  B.  W.  FKRGUSOX, 

Ko.  48C  SEVENTH  STREET. 
1857. 


CORTEZ 

THE    CONQUEROR 

J» 

A.  TRA.OEDY 

IN  FIVE  ACTS, 

(jf 

[FOUNDED  ON  THE  CONQUEST  OP  MEXICO,] 

BY  LEWIS  F.  THOMAS, 

Author  of  "  Inda  and  other  Poems.1'1 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C., 

PUBLISHED  BY  B.  W. 

No.  486  SEVENTH  STREET. 

YssV.  ' 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1857,  by  LEWIS 
Y.  THOMAS,  in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  district  court  of  the  United  States 
for  the  District  of  Columbia. 


II.  D'Uugcr,  Printer,  Capisal  City  Office,  Washington. 


Bancroft  Library 


:      TO 

GEX.  JOHN   A.   QUFIMAX, 

OF  MISSISSTPI. 

;.'  "3^ 

31  Y  DEAR  Siu: 

During  the  late  war  between  our  eountrv 

and  Mexico,  Fame  loudly  echoed  your  name  aa  one  of  the  most 

gallant  among  your  compatriots  in  arms.     An  intimate  acquaint- 

fM    ance  with  some  of  your  oilloers,  afforded  to  me  ample  testimony       %* 

/      that  your  high  chivalry  in  tho  conflict  was  only  surpassed  by  your         ' 

f         humaniiy  and  urbanity  whan  t!^  fOiidict  AV;;?;  (,ver.     ]n  your  pro-          I 

ent  capacity  as  a  representative  in  Congress,  1  have  'had  frequent 

occasion  to  note  your  integrity  as  a  man,  and  your  sagacity,  ability, 

and  patriotism  as  a  statesman.     i!y  personal  acquaintance  with  you 

leads  me  to  admire  the   unaiTected  gentleman  and   unobtrusive 

scholar.     As  a  slight  token  of  my  high  consideration  and  regard  I 

respectfully  inscribe  to  you  this  Tragedy,  Corfr.z  tin1.    CotK/uwor, 

founded  0:1  events  of  old  occurrence  on  the  s;:nu>  fields  wh.ro  you 

FO  latelv  find  so  largely  contributed  to  render  the   name   of  our 

country  and  your  x»wn,  illustrious. 

Very  truly,  your  friend 

and  obedient  servant, 

THE  AUTHOR.. 

SUAKY,   1857. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


Theatrical  managers  or  actors  desiring  to  perform  this  tragedy  can 
address  their  proposals  to  the  author  at  Washington,  D.  C,  The  two 
first  acts  of  "  Cortez  the  Conqueror"  were  submitted  to  the  great  tra« 
gedian,  the  late  J.  B.  BOOTH,  from  whom  they  received  the  highest  en* 
comiums,  and  who  intended  to  produce  the  tragedy,  had  he  lived,  The 
whole  has  been  perused  by  his  son,  Mr.  EDWIN  BOOTH,  (on.  whom  the 
mantle  of  his  father  has  fallen,)  and  who  concurs  in  the  high  opinions 
expressed  by  his  parent  and  prototype.  It  has  also  been  eulogized  by 
other  distinguished  authorities  in  the  histrionic  art,  and  by  gentlemen 
of  high  literary  ability  and  critical  taste.  "Cortez,"  &c.,  ha.a  also  been 
prepared  as  a,  Dramatic  Equestrian  Spectacle, 


PREFACE. 


THE  HISTORY  of  the  conquest  of  Mexico,  by  the  Spaniards, 
affords  ample  material  for  more  than  a  score  of  tragedies, 
and  has  exercised  the  pens  of  more  than  a  dozen  historians. 
In  working  up  the  subject  for  my  tragedy,  I  have  kept  in 
view  many  of  the  most  remarkable  and  prominent  events,  as 
detailed  by  CLAVIGERO,  BERNAL  DIAZ,  (one  of  the  conquer- 
ors,) and  PRESCOTT.  I  have  endeavored  to  delineate  my  his- 
torical characters  after  the  portraitures  of  those  writers,  and 
to  speak  for  each  of  my  dramatis  personce,  in  the  style  and 
language  which  might  naturally  be  supposed  to  pertain  to  the 
character,  circumstances  and  condition  of  each,  whether  real 
or  imaginary.  How  far  I  have  succeeded  in  these  particu- 
lars, and  in  the  work  generally,  are  matters  for  the  judgment 
of  critics.  Of  course,  from  the  circumscribed  limits  of  my 
work,  very  many  incidents  of  most  startling  effect,  scenes  of 
cruelty  and  horror,  of  chivalry  and  romance,  and  of  self- 
devoting  heroism,  hay<e  necessarily  been  omitted  altogether ; 
and  some  that  could  not  be  given  in  detail,  are  barely  alluded 
to.  I  have,  however,  pursued  the  general  outline  of  the  con- 
quest in  its  chronological  order,  with  but  few  anachronisms 
and  poetic  licences,  so  that,  I  think,  the  reader,  or  an  audi- 
ence, jean  readily  follow  the  histrionic  characters  with  a  toler- 
able idea  of  the  idiosyncrasy  of  each,  and  a  fair  understand- 
ing of  the  events  in  which  all  really  participated,  or  are  sup- 
posed to  have  acted.  The  character  of  Cortez,  and  the  inci- 
dents in  which  he  is  made  to  figure,  are  almost  entirely  drawn 
from  history.  He  set  out  from  Havana  in  the  year  1519, 
with  li  vessels  and  619  men  and  13  horses,  on  his  expedition 
against  Mexico.  He  was  then  33  years  of  age.  When  quite 
a  youtjh,  he  had  an  amour  with  a  lady  who  was  confined  in  a 
convent  in  Salamanca,  and  in  leaping  the  convent  wall,  he 
broke  his  leg.  The  accident  delayed  his  departure  for  the 
New  World  for  about  a  year.  From  this  incident,  it  was 


PREFACE. 


easy  for  the  imagination  to  connect  him  with  Maria  cb  Estra- 
da and  the  page,  her  son,  (the  first  a  real,  and  thy  hitter  an 
imaginary  character,)  as  I  have  done  in  the  lower  plot  of  the 
play.  Marina,  the  first  Christian  convert  on  this  continent, 
relates  he-r  own  history  to  Cortez,  precisely  as  it  occurred. 
She  was  interpreter  to  Cortez,  his  faithful  friend  and  constant 
companion,  and  saved  him  and  his  tr.oops  in  the  manner  re- 
lated in  the:text,  and.on  several  other  occasions.  As  to  Mon- 
tezuma,  his  imprisonment  and  manner  of  his  death  are  en- 
tirely historical.  The  rise  of  the  waters,  the  appearance  of  a 
comet,  the,eelipse  of  the  SUM,  the  prophesies  of  his  sister,  all 
which  he  alludes  to  in  one  of  his  speeches,  are  occurrences 
that  actually  took  place  about  the  time  of  the  appearance  of 
the  Spaniards,  and  were  believed  by  the  Mexicans  to  be  the 
certain  prcgnostics  of  their  downfall.  The  circumstance  at- 
tending a  sacrifice  and  the  burning  of  the  temple,  as  related 
.by  the  High  Priest,  occurred  at  the  same  period,  and  were- 
likewise  deemed  ominous  of  ruin.  Hassan  was  the  name  of 
ft  Moor,  a  slave  to  Cortez,  who  accompanied  him  in  his  expe- 
dition. Mexicat.zin,  the  Tiascalan  chief,  was  one  of  his  first 
.allies.  Olid,  Lugo,  Sandoval  and  Alvarado  were  all  young 
men,  captains  and  companions  of  Cortez — adventurers,  such 
as  those  now  with  Walker  in  Central  America.  Olrnedo  was 
a  priest  and  chaplain  of  the  expedition,  and  gave  timely  warn- 
ing to  Cortez  of  the  design  of  Velasquez  to  arrest  it  in  the 
manner  .stated.  Thus  the  characters  and  the  leading  incidents 
pertaining  to  the  conquest,  which  form  the  upper  plot  of  the 
tragedy,  are  all  real  and  historical.  Some  of  the  situations 
and  the  language  of -the  speakers  only,  are  imaginary.  In  the 
under  plot  I  have  draw-Hi  entirely  on  my  imagination. 

Some  persons  may  at  first  be  disposed,  hypercritieally,  to 
cavil  at  the  seeming  incongruities  of  the  opening  soliloquies 
of  -Olid,  in  contemplation  of  suicide,  but,  I  think,  on  reflec- 
tion they  will  be  willing  to  adir.it  that  no  man  (or  no  mad- 
man or  fool  eve7i)  ever  came  to  the  determination  of  becom- 
ing fdo  dc  se:  without  having  "justified  the  deed  unto  him- 
self,,'" by  most  incongruous  arguments.  1  have  ante-dated 
the  treason  and  'death  of  Olid,  and  have  given  him  a  more  honor- 
able end  than  he  really  met-:  for  he  was,  in  fact,  beheaded  at 
Honduras  for  leading  a  revolt  against  the  authority. of  Cor- 


PREFACE'. 


tez,  in  favor  of  the  adherents  of  Velasquez.  -Hiave  also,  in 
(he  under  plot,  assigned,  besides  ambition,  another  possible 
cause  for  his  treason,  or  incentive  to  it  ;  but  in  so  doing,  I 
have  done  no  violence  to  his  true  character,  or  to  that  of  any 
other  connected  with  him  in  the  tragedy.  Indeed,  it  would 
be  difficult  to  exaggerate  the  vicious  characters  of  most  of  the 
conquerors  ;  for  there  are  but  few  crimes  in  the  catalogue  o* 
human  infamy  of  which  they  were  not  guilty.  It  would  be 
equally  difficult  to  extol  their  endurance,  fortitude  and  hero- 
ism. Their  characters  and  their  exploits  are  anomalous  ; 
they  and  their  deeds  are  without  parallels  in  history. 

When  I  wrote  a  portion  of  the  following  pages,  I  had  not 
the  slightest  design  of  perpetrating  a  tragedy.  The  first  part 
composed,  was  the  first  soliloquy  of  Olid  ;  which  was  writ- 
ten in  rny  boyhood,  and  entitled  "  A  Suicide's  reflections  on 
Death."  The  next  was  Maria's  speech  to  Olmedo,  which 
was  occasioned  about  the  same  period,  by  my  hearing  a  lewd 
woman  abuse  a  priest.  In  after  years  I  read  the  History  of 
Mexico,  while  convalescing  from  sickness;  and  during  the 
time,  in  looking  over  some  scraps  of  manuscript,  I  came 
across  the  soliloquy,  and  formed  the  idea  of  attempting  a 
tragedy  :  but  I  had  no  definite  plot.  My  first  conception  was 
to  produce  something  on  the  conquest  of  Texas.  On  the  re- 
turn of  health  I  threw  aside  the  little  I  had  written.  Being 
however,  through  a  series  of  years,  from  time  to  time,  an  in- 
valid, I  was,  when  so,  in  the  habit  of  resorting  to  books  and 
my  pen  to  relieve  the  tedium  of  a  sick  chamber;  and 
on  such  Occasions  "  Cortez  the  Conqueror  "  has  been 
mostly  produced.  After  the  first  act  was  written,  I  lost, 
while  travelling,  my  trunk  containing  it,  and  did  not  recover 
it  for  four  or  five  years.  On  re-perusing  my  recovered  man- 
uscript, the  old  idea  of  tragedy  writing  occurred  to  me,  and  I 
wrote  the  last  scene  of  the  last  act,  and  also  produced  the  se- 
cond act,  while  in  sickness,  at  a  very  few  sittings  ;  but  on  the 
restoration  of  health  my  work  was  again  laid  aside.  Some 
seven  years  ago,  something  occurred  which  induced  me  to 
show  what  I  had  written  (two  acts)  to  the  great  tragedian, 
Mr.  Booth,  (then  living  ;)  and  the  high  encomiums  bestowed 
upon  my  commencement,  by  him,  and  by  other  friends  whose 
opinions  I  valued,  induced  me  to  resume  my  work,  whenever 


Till  PREFACE. 

indisposition  confined  me  to  my  chamber ;  an  occurrence  suf- 
ficiently frequent  and  long,  to  enable  me  to  present  rny  pro- 
duction in  its  present  shape.  It  has  beguiled  some  hours  of 
illness,  which  but  for  it,  would  have  been  dreary  indeed  to 
me ;  and  if  the  reading  or  representation  of  it  should  serve 
to  amuse  or  instruct  others,  I  shall  feel  well  assured  that  it 
has  not  been  "  writ  in  yam." 

THE  AUTHOR. 


P»  rt  O  L  O  GMJ  E 

BY    "MCJDIL  15RAIG." 


Too  long  our  authors,  ever  prone  to  roam, 
Neglect  the  stores  of  mental  wealth  at 
Too  long,  by  narrow  critics  lashed  to  awe, 
vOur  people  bend  before  a  foreign  law  ; 
Talent,  like  wine,  is  valued  Toy  the  brand, 
.And  importation  makes  the  subject  grand. 
Ah  !  i'alse  to  fame,  the  country  and  the  age, 
Is  that  o'erlabored  and  o'erlearned  page, 
Which  scorns  the  present  with  its  impulse  ff&e, 
And  knows  no  merit  save  antiquity  ! 
:Far  different  is  the  scene  ye  view  to-day — 
A  native  author  brings  a  native  play ; 
Through  fields  uncultured,  through  untrodden 
lie  comes  ihojlrst  to  pluck  the  choicest  flowers, 
Tie  tells  a  tale  of  that  most  wondrous  time, 
AY  hen  young  adventure  rose  to  deeds  sublime* — 
When  the  weak  old  sar.k  down  beneath  the  new, 
And  empires  yielded  to  the  hardy  few. 
And  those  stf  rn  heroes  live  and  breath  again, 
Whoso  daring  made  thtrn  more  <;r  le^s  tl.au  n.en. 
If  aught  of  glory  on  his  page  is  shown, 
Be  proud,  America  !  'tis  all  thine  own  ! 
And,  now,  kind  triends,  your  prologue  bids  adieu, 
Leaving  the  rest  to  candor  and  to  you. 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS. 


SPAXIAKDS, 


the 


FERNANDO    CORTEZ,   called   by 

Mexicans,  MA-LA-CHE. 
CHRISTOVAL  DE  OLID,     ~| 
PEDRO  DE  ALYARADO,      [        His 
FRANCISCO  DE  Lcco,        j   Captains. 
(TONZALEZ  DE  SANDOVAL  J 
ANTONIO  DE  OJEDA,  Page  to  Cortez.* 
BARTHOLOMEW  DE   OLMEDO,  Priest 

and  Chaplain, 

HASSAN,  a  Moor,  Slave  to  Cortez. 

JFAN  DE  ESTRADA,  a  Soldier.* 

MARTA  DE  ESTRADA,  his  Wife. 

Soldiers,   &r,.,  &t\ 


MEXICANS. 

MONTEZCMA,  Emperor. 

HIGH  PRIEST. 
JjQRD  TEUTILE,  an  Ambassador. 

Two  Gladiators. 

Messengers^  d'c.,  &c. 

XINNAH,  daughter  to  Montezuma. 

Females  attending  on  Xinnah. 

MEXICATZIX,    Chief  of  the  Tla.aca- 
lans,  and  ally  of  Cortez. 

MARINA.  Slave  to  Cortez,  hit  Inter- 
preter, and  the  first  Christian  Con- 
vert on  the  American  Continent. 


T.he  characters  marked  thus  (*)  are  imaginary — -all  the  others  are 
historical. 

All  the  SCENES  of  the  First  Act  are  in  and  about  HAVANA — the  rest 
are  at  VEHA  CRCZ,  on  the  road  to,  and  in  the  city  of  MEXICO. 


It  is  expected  that  many  lines,  especially  in  the  first  act,  will  be 
omitted  in  the  representation.  That  is,  however,  a  matter  of  taste  or 
expediency,  with  manager  or  actor.  For  costume,  scenery,  parapher- 
nalia, t&c.,  see  end  of  the  volume. 


CORTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR, 


ACT  I.— SCENE  FIKST. 


SCENE. — A  Room  in  the  House  of  ESTRADA,  in  the  suburbs  of 
Havana. — ESTRADA  and  his  Wife,  MARIA. 

Maria.     I  tell  tliee  now,  Juan  de  Astrada, 

If  thou  art  backward  in  this  enterprize, 
Thou'rt  no  true  Spaniard,  and  I  never  more 
Will  call  thee  husband.     Out  upon  thee,  man, 
Thou  hast  a  better  chance  of  service  here 
Than  ever  to  thy  father's  lot  befell 
When  he  was  squire  to  Medina  Celi, 
And  followed  him  against  the  barbarous  Moors; 
Yet  he  gained  honor  !  and  here  hast  thou  now 
Offers  of  honor  and  great  wealth  to  boot 
In  gallant  Cortez's  service  ;  and  forsooth, 
Thy  laggard  spirit  bids  thee  stay  at  home, 
When  thou  should'st  gird  thy  armor  for  the  wars. 
Why,  e'en  Ojeda,  that  unbearded  youth, 
Whose  fragile  arm  can  scarce  a  buckler  bear, 
Is  eager  to  be  rank'd  in  Cortez's  band. 
Estrada.     Well,  dame  Maria,  I  have  seen  so  much 
Of  war  among  these  heathen  Indians, 
That  I  am  weary  of  it ;  and  I  long 
To  live  in  peace.     The  golden  promises 
This  General  gives,  will  never  be  repaid, 
Save  with  requirements  of  hardest  toil, 
And  evil  usage  for  good  service  done. 


12  COKTEZ,   T^E   COXQUEKOK. 

Jfaaria.     And  dost  them  doubt  the  noble  Cortez's  word  ? 
And  then,  a  soldier,  call  war's  service  toil, 
Which  is  but  pastime  to  a  gallant  man? 

Etffrada.     I  doubt  not  Cortez,  but  I  doubt  this  scheme, 
And  doubt  the  right  to  slay  men  for  their  gold. 
In  my  life's  morning,  the  array  of  war 
To  me  was  a  most  pleasing  pageantry, 
And  'twas  my  spurt  to  rush  into  the  strife, 
And  never  question  if  the  cause  were  just, 
So  it  were  sanctioned  by  my  king's  command  ; 
And  then  I  deem' d  a  victory  cheaply  won, 
However  dear  the  carnage  that  it  cost. 
But  now,  the  noontime  of  my  day  has  come, 
And,  like  the  weary  reaper,  I  would  fain 
Pass  my  meridian  in  shady  rest, 
And  con  the  profits  of  my  harvest  o'er  ; 
And  when  life's  eventide  is  closing  in, 
I  would  look  back,  upon  some  hours  at  least, 
That  rnark'd  my  day  not  all  in  evil  spent, 
And  show'd  1  sometimes  had  remember'd  Heaven. 
Maria.     Some  priest  has  addled  that  soft  pate  of  thine  ! 
Frighted  thy  fancy  with  a  tale  of  Hell ; 
Subdued  thy  spirit  to  his  purposes, 
By  o'ermueh  penance  and  anathemas 
Unmann'd  thee,  and  made  a  dotard  of  thee. 

Estrada.     I  wish  to  quit  this  butcher  trade  of  war, 

And  live  in  quiet  in  a  rural  home. 
Maria.     Wouldst  thou  become  a  slave  to  till  the  soil  ? 

Wouldst  thou  thy  soldier-'prenticeship  disgrace  ? 
•  And  change  the  honorable  field  of  arms 
For  servile  tasks  in  fields  of  husbandry, 
Beshrew  me  I  but,  methinks  a  shepherd's  crook, 
Would  more  befit  thee  than  a  warrior's  lance— 
A  sickle  better  suit  thee  than  a  sword. 
I  took  thee  for  a  soldier,  brave  and  true ; 
My  father's  daughter  ne'er  had  wed  thee  else. 
Here  comes  Antonio,  thy  foster*son  ; 
His  daring  courage  and  his  mauly  port 
Do  put  thy  older  soldiership  to  shame. 

{Enter  Antonio  de  Ojcda. 
Welcome,  Antonio  ;  how  hast  thou  sped  ? 
How  came  thy  errand  off  ? 

Antonio.  0,  excellent  1 


of 


COBTEZ,  THE   CONQUEBOB.  13 

From  conference  with  Cortez  straight  I've  come, 
And,  my  kind  foster-parents,  give  me  joy  ! 
lie  doth  accept  my  service  as  his  page. 
Maria.     Indeed  !  Forsooth,  thy  tidings  are  most  glad. 

AY  hat  means  hast  thou  wherewith  to  back  thy  suit  ? 

Antonio.     None,  save  a  simple  story  simply  told, 
Truth  needs  no  aid  in  telling,  for  it  speaks 
With  native  eloquence  that  moves  men's  hearts, 
When  all  the  arts  of  oratorj  i'ail. 
Maria.     How  didst  thou  gain  admittance  to  the  chief, 
Unfriended  and  alone  ? 

Antonio.  I  had  a  friend. 

When  1  went  hence  I  met  the  General's  slave, 
Hassan,  the  Moor,  to  whom  1  told  my  wish, 
And  soon  he  gave  me  conduct  to  the  chief, 
Who  sat  alone,  poring  o'er  maps  and  charts 
And  inky  parchments;  which  his  flashing  eyes 
Seem'd  to  light  up  as  he  bent  o'er  to  read. 
Maria.     Well,  tell  us  now  what  pass'd  'twixt  him  and  thee? 

Antonio.     He  scann'd  me  with  quick  glances  for  a  while, 
Then  ask'd  my  errand,  and  1  told  him  thus : 
"  Maj't  please  you,  sir,  I  am  an  orphan  youth ; 
Antonio  de  Ojeda  is  my  name  ; 
But  of  my  parentage  I  nothing  know, 
Though  nothing  of  a  parent's  eare  bave  lack'd  ; 
For,  since  the  youngest  date  my  rnem'ry  keeps, 
I  have  received  all  kindness  and  all  care 
From  Juan  de  Estrada  and  his  wife. 
Hither,  from  Salamanca,  in  their  charge 
I-  came ;  and  now,  at  her  behest,  I  seek 
What  may  it  please  thee  graciously  to  grant : 
Befitting  service,  near  unto  thyself, 
And  an  appointment  for  me  in  the  wars." 
The  while  I  spoke,-his  eyes  were  fixed  on  mine' 
With  a  most  startling  gaze. 
Maria.  Said  he  nothing  ? 

Antonio.     No,  not  at  first ;  but  from  his  seat  he  rose,- 
And  paced  the  chamber  hurriedly  ;  and  then 
Came  where  I  stood,  and  gazed  me  in  the  face, 
And  dash'd  his  hand  across  his  brow,  and  sigh'd, 
And  turn'd  again,  and  strode  unevenly  ; 
Circling  the  chamber  round,  till  where  I  stood 
Again  he  came,  and  then  he  took  my  hand, 


14  COKTEZ,  THE   COXQUEBOB. 

And  said  I  was  a  noble,  gallant  youth  ; 
And  he  smiled  on  me  with  a  smile  so  sweet, 
So  Very  sweet,!     O,  it  did  inake|me  wish 
He  were  my  father,  to  smile  on  me  so. 
Maria.     What  said  lie  next  ? 

Antonio.  Why  as  he  pi'est'd  my  hand, 

He  said,  he  in  his  service  had  no  page. 
And  lie  bethought  him  that  lie  needed  one. 
And  I  should  serve  him.     Then  he  dropt  my  hand, 
And  threw  himself  into  his  seat  again, 
And  closed  his  eyes,  and  bade  me  go  away, 
Equip  myself,  and  come  to-him  anon, 
And  thus  dismissed  me  without  further  speech. 
Maria,  (aside.)     So  Cortez  has  some  feeling,  after  all. 

Antonio.     Methiuks  the  cares  of  his  great  enterprizo 

Weigh  heavy  on  him. 
Maria.  Ay,  no  doubt  they  do. 

Antonio.     What  ails  thee,  foster-father?  thou  art  dull  ; 
Is  thy  health  failing  ? 

Estrada.  Nay,  I'm  well  enough  ; 

My  dame  and  I  were  just  now  in  debate 
Touching  this  scheme  against  the  Mexicans  ; 
For  which,  in  sooth,  I  have  but  little  heart, 
Yet,  since  thou  hast  the  Gen'ral's  favor  won. 
I  will  prepare  me  for  his  service,  too, 
With  what  alacrity  my  spirit  can, 
To  follow  him  where'er  his  fortune  leads. 

Antonio.     Then  let  us  quick  get  all  in  readiness  ; 
Thou  art  a  vet'ran  soldier,  and  I'll  need 
Thy  aid  and  counsel  to  prepare  myself 
For  the  new  station  I  am  soon  to  fill. 
And  my  kind  mother,  thou  wilt  aid  me  too  • 
The  city  I  will  visit,  for  a  while, 
For  some  appointments,  and  soon  meet  you  here. 
Maria.     Dispatch  thy  errand  with  what  haste  thou  canst. 

Antoiiio.     I  will  be  back  right  speedily.     Adieu  ! 

[Exeunt  severally. 


_o 


CORTE.Z,  THE  CONQUEROR.  15 


SCENE  SECOND. 


Time — Near  Midnight. 

SCENE— A  Study. — Books,  Busts,  Maps,  &c.— OLID  (solus)  dressed 
in  the  Hack  habit  of  a  student,  with  student's  cap,  and  seated 
at  a  table,  on  which  is  a  burning  lamp,  a  Bible  and  a  crucifix, 
a  death's  head  and  cross  bones. — A  clock  of  antique  shape 
against  the  watt,  with  the  index  near  the  hour  of  twelve. — Dun 
holds  a  phial  in  his  hand,  and  seems  reading  in  the  book,  as 
curtain  rises. 

Olid.     Yes,  yes,  'tis  destiny  that  wills  it  yp. 
This  holy  book  ;  nor  this  all  holy  sign, 
Xur  the  wise  heathen's1  teachings  of  sad  jlonbt, 
Xo,  nor  the  fear  he  feared,  can  stay  my  hand. 
"Why  should  I  pause  at  short'ning  my  sad  days, 
Since  life  is  a  protracted  death-struggle, 
Where  mortal  courage  in  the  end  must  fail  ? 
And  death  is  but  a  quiet,  dreamless  sleep, 
That  knows  no  wukiug.     [Itixes.']     Death,  I'll  drink 

to  thee. 
This,    {holding  up  1he  phial,']  thy  nepenthe  for  life's 

teeming  [ills. 
This  potent  poison,  soon  shall  give  me  peace. 

[Moves  front. 

0  !  now,  I  do  renounce  thee,  and  thy  train 
Of  wrongs,  oppressions,  cruelties  and  woes, 
O,  world  I  thou  Hydra  still  insatiate, 
That  hath  a  myriad  vile  tongues  to  curse, 
As  many  yenonvd  fangs  to  gnaw  and  wound, 
And  Argus  eyes,  with  multiplying  sight 
That  magnify  slight  errors  into  crimes; 
And  but  one  heart  to  harbor  kindliness, 
And  that,  alas!  too  often  thou  giv'st  up 
To  burning  hate  anil  uncontroll'd  revenge. 
Society  !  1  loathe  thee,  and  the  fools, 
And  fawning  knaves,  and  cringing  sycophants, 
And  heartless  flatterers  who  gaily  flit 
On  painted  pinions,  through  the  giddy  throng 
Of  which  thou  art  the  being,  aim  and  end. 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

O  !  I  detest  thee  from  my  utmost  soul, 
And  hate  that  world  of  which  thou  art  a  pait, 
By  thee  created,  and  creating  thee. 
I'll  bide  no  longer  in  thy  tainted  sphere. 
''•he  grave  !  that  narrow  citadel,  affords 
A  covert  and  a  refuge  from  thy  wrath. 
I'll  seek  a  homo  within  its  dark  recess, 
By  virtue  of  that  high  prerogative 
That  nature  gave  to  man  ;  for  well  I  deem 
The  greatest  attribute  of  life  is  death, 
To  him  whose  only  heritage  is  woe. 
Within  the  immediate  reach  ot  oil. 
When  the  sick  heart  is  weary  of  its  pulse 
It  ministers  an  everlasting  rest. 
Death  is  the  liberator  of  the  world 
Who  breaks  the  bonds  of  scrvitiulo,  and  gives 
The  prison'd  soul  the  liberty  to  roam 
Unshackled  on,  through  all  eternity. 
O,  death  !  thou  universal  leveller  ; 
Subject  and  king,  master  and  slave  alike, 
Beast,  bird  and  insect,  vegetation,  all 
By  thee  are  mingled  into  common  dust. 
O,  jiappy  thought !  that  the  proud  conqueror, 
Whose  puissant  arm  has  vanquished  empires, 
At  last  is  vanquish'd  in  his  turn,  by  thee ; 
And  the  vain  tyrant,  whose  power  descends 
.  A  heritage,  legitimate  through  blood — 
Who,  thron'd  in  majesty  imperial, 
With  sway  despotic,  rules  o'er  half  mankind, 
Must  yield  his  sceptre  and  his  crown  to  thee. 
Caesar  and  Cassar's  slaves  in  thee  are  equals  ! 
Thou  friend  to  foes  and  enemy  to  friends 
I  hail  thee  !     For,  to  me  no  hope  appears, 
With  its  bright  beam,  to  light  my  rugged  way 
Through  the  dark  vista  of  long  years  to  come; 
Thou  wilt  be  welcome  to  my  soul,  enshriu'd 
Within  the  gloomy  mansion  of  her  cares — 
Anxious  to  burst  her  bondage  and  be  free. 
Come  thou  at  midnight,  like  an  eager  friend 
From  a  long  journey  ;  and  I'll  ope  the  door 
To  my  sad  heart,  and  thou  shalt  banquet  there. 

[Clock  strikes  twelve. 
Man's  mournful  monitor  now  knells  my  doom  ; 


CORTEZ,  THE   COXQUEKOE.  17 

It  is  my  parting  hour.     Be  calm,  my  soul ! 
O,  friends  and  country,  life  and  all,  farewell ! 
[He  raises  the  phial  to  his  lips;  loud  knockg  are 

heard  at  the  door; — he  starts. 
Who's  there  ?     [Thrusts  the  phial  into  his  $osom: 
Sandoval,  [WMot/fJ.     Halloa,  within!  Open  the  door. 

Olid.     Who  are  ye  that  ask  entrance  at  this  hour  ? 
Sandoval.     Thy  right  frue  friends,  Lugo  and  Sandoyal. 

Olid.     ( Opens  the  door.)     In  the  name  of  friends  I  bid  ye 

welcome. 
[LUGO  enters,  followed  ly  SANDOVAL.    OLID  em- 

braces  them  alternately. 
Franoisco  de  Lugo,  come  to  my  heart ! 
Come  thou,  too,  Gonzalez  de  Saudoval. 
Lugo.     How  goes  the  world  with  thee,  good  Christoval. 

Olid.    Alas  !  alas !  indiff 'rently  indeed. 
Sandoval.    What  ?  thou  the  brave  Christoval  de  Olid ! 
And  dost  thou  answer  in  such  solemn  strain  ? 
Lugo.     Why  what  a  change  is  wrought  in  him  forsooth  : 
He  hath  been  conning  works  of  mother  church, 
And  reading  lives  of  holy  martyred  saints, 
Until  his  every  thought  is  sicklied  o'er 
With  churchyard  fancies  and  a  cloister's  gloom. 
What  is't  affects  thee  ?  speak  thy  ailings  out— 
Give  us  thy  griefs,  and  we  will  comfort  give, 
In  fair  requital  for  them. 
Sandoval.  Speak,  Olid. 

Olid.    My  griefs  are  e'en  too  many,  my  good  friends, 
To  burden  ye  withal.     A  broken  man, 
Bankrupt  alike  in  fortune  and  in  hope, 
I've  no  anticipations  to  digest, 
And  can  ask  nought  save  your  kind  sympathy, 
And  further  must  not  your  fair  friendship  tax : 
For,  to  discharge  my  debts  and  mend  my  means 
Would  make  the  beggary  of  your  estates. 
I  am  besieged  and  sued  for  sums  now  due, 
Enough  to  freight  a  caravel  with  gold : 
And,  sooth  to*  say,  I  can  no  longer  tirook 
The  ceaseless  cravings  of  my  creditors. 
Sandoval.    'Tis  dasy  to  make  quittance  with  them  all. 

Olid.    Nay,  'tis  not  so,  the  times  are  sadly  changed. 
Lugo.     Say  not  the  times,  but  say  that  thou  art  changed. 
Av,  sadly  changed,  from  the  gay  cavalier, 


18  CORTEZ,  THE   COXQUEROR. 

Who  in  old  Salamanca  was  my  chum, 

To  a  recluse,  an  anchorite,  whose  task 

Is  ever  to'tell  o'er  his  beads  and  pray. 

Olid.     Would  I  were  back  again  in  Salamanca, 

Where  then  and  I  have  seen  such  joyous  days. 
Lugo.     I  would  thou  Avert  a  man,  good  Christoval, 

A  noble,  such  as  thru  \vert  wont  to  be. 
Olid.     What  ineanVt  thou,  Lugo,  by  thy  taunting  speech  ? 
If  thou  hast  aught  to  gay,  as  iriend  or  foe, 
Speak  it  out  freely,  but  keep  back  thy  taBiits. 
Lugo.     Weil,  I  will  speak  it  freely,  as  a  friend: 
Why  art  thou,  like  a  hermit,  here  immured, 
Wasting  thy  time  in  search  of  bookish  lore, 
Whenras  a  proud  hidalgo,  thou  shouldst  forth 
Wiih  the  new  expedition  now  afoot, 
.And  seek  thy  broken  fortunes  to  amend, 
And  build  an^w  the  honors  of  thy  house? 
Olid.     What  expedition,  Lugo  dost  thou  mean  ? 

I  know  of  none. 
Sandovttl.  What,  hast  not  heard  the  news  ? 

Olid.     What  news  ? 

Sandoval.          Why  that  the  Governor  Valasquez 
Hath  to  Don  Fernando  Cortez  given 
A  full  commission,  drawn  m  the  king's  name, 
Making  him  generalissimo  of  a  force/ 
'i'o  try  the  conquest  of  rich  Mexico. 
His  fleet  is  momently  expected  here, 
And  Lugo  and  myself  are  well  prepared 
To  join  him  in  his  glorious  enterprise. 
Olid.    Indeed! 

Lugo.          What  say'st  thou — wil't  thou  go  with  us  ? 
Olid.     I'll  thfnk  ou't — to  conquer  Mexico? 
Sandoval.  Ay . 

For,  look  ye,  Olid,  why  shouldst  thou  or  I, 

Or  any  of  us  gallant  cavaliers, 

On  whom  Dame  Fortune  has  been  pleased  to  frown, 

Linger  inertly  here  our  liv«»  away, 

In  constant  dread  of  duns  and  creditors; 

Scorned  by  our  friends,  and  scoffed  at  by  «ur  foes, 

While  Mexico,  with  golden  promise  now 

Inyifces  to  its  conquest,  and  holds  out 

Ilenown,  and  wealth,  and  beauty,  to  our  hopes. 

Why  should  we  here  grow  old  in  poverty, 


GQHTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  19 

While  glory,  riches,  pleasure  wait  us  there. 

Olid,     it  is  a  project  fraught  with  chivalry. 
Lugo.     Then  hasten  to  embark  in  it  with  us. 

Olid.     Could  I  assort  my  disarranged  affairs, 

I  would  go  with  ye,  for,  in  truth,  good  friends, 
I  long  have  cherished  in  my  inmost  heark 
The  secret  hope  that  I  may  one  day  raisu 
The  name  of  my  illustrious  ancestors 
As  high  again  as  when,  in  Palestine, 
They  spread  the  sacred  banner  of  the  cross, 
And  cheered  their  followers  ou  to  victory. 
That  hope  hns  been  the  beacon  of  my  soul, 
And,  though  my  father,  in  the  wanton  court 
Of  our  late  king,  disbursed  his  princely  iweans, 
And,  cut  off  in  his  prime,  left  me  the  heir 
To  a  sad  heritage  of  poverty, 
Yet  was  that  hope  unto  my  waking  drenm 
The  palace-thought  wherein  they  loved  to  dwell, 
And  it  became  so  wedded  to  my  heart, 
That  \\hen  reverses  rudely  tor-e  it  theuoe, 
It  left  a  void  where  dark  Despair  rushed  in, 
And  'twas  but  now  I  deemed  myself  so  lost 
That  I  renounced  all  fond  expectancies, 
And  called  on  Death,  as  my  sole  comforter. 
Lugo.     Tut,  man  !  pshaw  !  talk  not  of  Death  or  dying. 
The  slave  alone  invokes  Death  as  a  friend  : 
The  freeman  over  fortune  triumphs  eyer. 
Ko  slave  so  mean  as  he  who  yields  $p  fctte, 
No  hero  like  to  him  who  .conquers  it. 
Sandooal.     If  on  our  .expedition  >th«u.  resojys't, 

Thou  shalt  have  station  fitting  ttyy  high  bjrth, 
And  <ve  will  compass  n;3aus  to  get  tl^e  off, 
l"n  spite  of  all  the  minions  of  the  law. 

Olid.     Thanks,  thanks  ;  I'll  gjQ-^-j'Our  hands ;  believe  me 

friends, 

It  is  as  much  for  your  good  company, 
As  for  the  spirit  of  the  daring  scheme, 
Thi\t  I  en*  barfs  with  you,  for,  without  you, 
The  voyage  were  dull,  companionship  were  nought, 
And  fame  and  fortune  were  but  empty  names, 
Unless  I  ewpcti  and  shared  them  both  with  you. 
Lugo.     I  greet  thy  sudden  resolution  well — 

Speedy  revives  give  birth  to  noble  deeds, 


20  COKTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

Impulsive  action  always  leads  to  fame, 
And  fortune  follows  on  quick  enterprize. 
Sandoval.     Behold  !  the  clock  is  past  the  hour  of  twelve  ; 
Much  yetjjremains  ere  morning  to  be  done, 
And  with  the  sun  we  mu^i  be  up  betimes, 
When  we  will  see  thee,  and,  till  then,  farewell. 
Lugo.     Adieu  1  may  glory's  brightest  dreams  be  thine. 
Olid.     Farewell,  my  gallant  friends,  farewell,  farewell. 

[Luoo  and  SANDOVAL  exeunt  through  door.    OLID 

dashes  the  phial  away. 

(Solus.)     Why,  what  a  fool  I  was  to  think  of  death. 
Fate  plays  the  game  into  my  very  hands ; 
Ambition  and  revenge  both  smile  at  pncc. 
Fernando  Corlez,  my  soul's  cherished  hate, 
To  be  our  general  ? — I,  his  officer  ? 
The  wrong  he  did  me  feeding  at  my  heart, 
And  growing  there  upon  its  aliment, 
Usurping  my  heart's  place  till  it  became 
Itself  my  heart — 0  I'll  enact  a  part ! 
But  nay — I  must  not  think  upon  it  now. 
Rejoice  !  my  soul,  hope  smiles,  I  live  again. 
The  golden  empire  of  the  gorgeous  west 
Shall  yield  me  a  rich  harvest  of  renown, 
And  wealth,  to  purchase  my  ancestral  seats 
In  old  Castile,  apd  like  a  Crcosus  there, 
In  regal  splendor  I  will  hold  my  court, 
Dispensing  favors  with  a  lib'ral  hand. 
How  tardily  the  time  will  lag  away 
Until  our  starting.     Would  that  I  could  ride 
The  swift  east  wind,  ox  on  the  lightning's  flash 
Could  speed  to  compass  my  heart's  formed  desires. 

0  Fortune,  Fortune  !  deign  to  be  my  bride, 
And,  though  I  woo  thee  with  a  courtier's  love, 

1  will  reward  thee  with  a  hero's  name.  [Exit. 


SCENE  THIRD. 


SCENE. — A  Street  in  Havana.— Enter  CORTEZ,  SANDOVAL,  and 
ALVARADO. 

Cortez.     And  so,  Gonzales,  thou  hast  seen  thy  friend, 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  21 

The  valiant  Olid,  and  he  joins  our  league 
Ilight  willingly  ? 

San.  He  doth,  Don  Cortez. 

Cortez.     I  do  remember  him  ;  some  years  ago, 
In  Salamanca,  he  was  much  noted 
Among  the  reckless  striplings  of  his  time, 
For  having,  with  his  boyish  waywardness, 
A  deal  of  manly  pride  and  chivalry, 
And  a  high  bearing,  that  gave  prophesy 
Of  future  grandeur. 
San.  He  will  no  doubt  keep 

Up  to  the  full,  the  promise  of  his  youth. 
Goj-ttz.     Bear  to  him  this  commission  in  my  name, 
And  greet  him,  with  expressions  of  my  lore, 
As  Captain  Olid,  for  such  rank  he  holds 
In  the  king's  service,  until  fitting  time, 
His  merit  shall  with  more  promotion  pay. 
Advise  him  to  dispatch,  and  say  I  long 
To  hold  him  in  embrace  of  brotherhood. 
San.     Thy  mission  suits  the  wishes  of  my  heart, 
And  in  its  execution  'twill  give  joy — 
I'll  haste  to  do  it.  [Exit. 

Cprtez.  Now,  Alvarado, 

Our  plans,  like  young  buds  germing  in  the  sun, 
Eipen  apace,  and  soon  the  harvest  flowers, 
Fresh  gathered  by  the  fairy  hand  of  Fame, 
Shall  hero-chaplets  form  to  grace  our  brows. 
Alvarado.    By  Venus,  .were  I  back  in  Spain  again, 
With  plenty  of  this  Indian  gold  in  store, 
A  harlequin  might  wear  Fame's  wreath  for  me. 
I  crave  no  chaplet  save  the  rosy  round 
Formed  by  the  lilly  fingers  of  my  fair. 
Give  me  the  wand  Midas,  give  me  gold, 
And  the  luxurious  Sybarites'  sweet  bed, 
The  goblet  of  bright  Bacchus,  and  the  wreath 
Wove  by  some  Ariadne  of  my  love, 
By  me  than  Caesar's  fillet  more  esteemed. 
0  !  give  me  only  these,  and  those  who  list 
May  court  that  common,  jilting  trull  call'd  Fame, 
That,  like  a,  wanton  and  a  vile  coquette, 
Plaits  ye  a  promised  garland  here  to-day, 
That  on  the  morrow  decks  a  rival's  brow. 
Corlez.     By  my  faith,  thou  art  a  philosopher, 


22  CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

A  very  Epicurus  in  discourse, 
And  yp{;  a  worse  than  beg-then  to  deride 
The  goddess  Fame  so  bitterly. 
Alcarado.  In  nooth, 

I  hold  that  true  philosophy  is  love, 
And  for  my  gode^ses  I'd  take  the  maids, 
The  melting  hourin,  with  dark  liquid  eyes, 
Still  left  within  our  country's  paradise, 
Where  we've  expelled  the  Moors — such  deities 
I  yield  my  homage  and  my  offerings  to. 

Cortez.     Time  was,  I  would  have  echoed  back  thy  thought,     ' 
Put  now — hold  !  here  comes  the  priest,  Olmedo, 
Our  chaplain,  and  belike  a  cunning  spy. — 
I  would  the  king  would  let  the  soldiers  be, 
Like  old  Knights  Templars,  knights  and  priests  to  boot. 

[Enter  OLMEDO. — T.'tey  low  to  hint. 
Good  morrow,  father,  to  your  reverence. 
Olmedo.    Peace  and  good  morrow  to  ye,  cavaliers, 
But  I,  alack  !  am  on  a  mission  here, 
Which,  much  I  fear,  bodes  little  peace  to  ye. 
Cortez.     Thy  words  portend  bad  tidings,  father,  speak  ! 

And  let  us  have  the  worst  of  them  at  once. 
Olmedo.     I  have,  by  special  messenger,  received 
Prom  a,  Franciscan  brother  a  short  note, 
Writ  in  great  haste,  and  hither  straight  dispatched, 
Wherein  he  speaks  of  matter  touching  thee 
Right  nearly  :  here,  take  it  thyself  and  read. 

[  Gives  a  letter  to  CORTEZ. 

And  let  mo  hence,  and  may'st  thou  find  the  means 
To  circumvent  the  malice  of  thy  foes. 

\_Fxit  OLMEDO. 

Cortez.     Well  now,  in  truth,  I  did  the  father  wrong.     [Reads. 
Ha  !  what's  here  ?  arrest  me  acd  stop  our  plans ! 
The  damned  double  traitor  ! 
Alcarado.  Why,  how  now, 

My  noble  friend,  my  gallant  general, 
What  ails  your  Excellency  ? 
Cortez,  Look  ye  here  ! 

Alvarado  (reads).  "Good  brother  Bartholomew,  I  do  conjure 
thee,  if  thou  hast  any  love  for  Don  Fernanda  Cortez,  give  him 
instant  warning  that  Governor  Velasquez  hath  missies  seut  to 
Pedro  Barbu,  his  lieutenant,  with  warrant  fur  the  General's 
arrest,  and  the  present  stoppage  of  the  enterprize.  I  pray  thee, 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  23 

make  good  speed.     This  comes  in  great  haste  from  thy  brother  ill 
St.  Francis,  JUAN  DE  MARA." 

Why,  what  can  all  this  mean  ? 
Cortez.  What  can  it  mean ! 

Why  that  Velasquez  is  a  jealous  fool, 
A  dolt,  an  idiot,  a  time-serving  knave  ! 
He  stop  the  enterprize  !  now,  by  St.  Paul ! 
He  shall  the  current  of  my  life's  blood  stop, 
leather  than  that — but  'tis  no  time  for  words— 
Go,  haste  fheo,  Alvarado,  call  our  friends ; 
Bid  them  all  quickly  meet  me  on  the  beach — 
We  will  embark  to-day.     Let  Barba  try 
To  serve  this  petty  tyrant's  warrant  out, 
And,  by  ray  conscience,  his  foul  gorgon  head 
I'll  iti  upon  rny  gallant  vessel's  prow, 
To  fright  the  dolphins  from  her  foamy  course. 
Speed  I  speed  ! 
Alvarado.  1  will  outstrip  the  wind.      [Exeunt  scterally. 


SCENE  FOURTH. 


SCENE. —  The  Seal-shore. — Ships  at  anchor. — Enter  ALVARADO, 
SANDOVAL,  LUGO,  ESTRADA,  MAUIA  and  Soldiers,  with  ban- 
ners, &c. — ALVARADO,  SANDOVAL  and  LUGO  advance  front. 

Lugo.     Well,  what  says  Barba,  will  he  force' the  writ  ? 

Alvarado.    Not  he — he  dares  not  with  our  troops  in  view, 
For  we  would  knock  the  town  about  his  ears, 
And  hang;"  the  cravea  catiff  up  on  high, 
A  warning  to  all  deputies  who'd  dare 
Attempt  the  mandate  of  a  tyrant  lord. 

Sandoval.     Gallants,  methinks  it  were  good  spor$  to  take  him 
And  leave  him  with  the  natives  of  som«  isle, 
To  teach  them  scholarship,  and  let  them  see 
A  different  species  of  the  genus  homo. 
Lugo.     Nay,  thou  art  wrong  in  that,  for,  by  my  soul, 
There's  naught  of  manhood  in  the  rillain's  make. 
He's  of  a  new  genus,  a  nondescript, 
A  kind  of  thing  not  mentioned  in  the  schools, 
Something  between  a  satyr  and  an  ape, 
But  with  a  sallow  visage,  that  looks  like 


24  CORlJEZ,  THE   eO>?QUEKOB. 

A  withered  parchment  on  a  deaths-head  stretched. 
Mvarado.     Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  thoti'rt  a  good  limner,  Lugo, 
Ay,  and  a  naturalist — resign  thy  rank, 
Be  our  Virtuoso,  not  a  captain, 
And  Salamanca's  learned  savans  may  yet 
Grant  the  diploma  which  ihy  lozel  pranks 
Forbade  thy  alma  mater  to  bestow. 
Lugo.    Bethink  thee  of  the  kettle  i'  th'  adage, 

And  show  thy  parchments  for  thine  own  degrees. 
.  \_'lrumpet  without. 

But  hark !  the  General's  trumpet  sounds  a  truce 
To  our  jesting — he  comes. 

flourish  of  trumpets,  drums,  &c.*— OORTEZ  enters 
from  iqyper  icing,  followed  by  OLMEDO,  HASSAN, 
tfftd  ANTONIO,  who  joins  MARIA. — The  rest 
ranged  on  either  side,  salute  Mm  as  he  passes, ,— ^ 
He  comes  front. — Music  ceases. 
Cortez.  Gallant  captains, 

Methinks  it  argues  fortune  is  our  friend, 
And  half  our  conquest  is  already  made, 
Since  thus  you  show  your  greediness  for  fame.- 
How  holds  the  wind  ? 
Alvarado.  Tis  little  north  of  east. 

Cortez.     So,  then  'tis  fair — are  all  our  pilots  shipped  ?' 

Lugo.     All  are  on  board. 

Cortez.  Then  we'll  weigh  anchor  soon. 

But  where  is  Olid  ? 
Sandoval.  He'll  be  here  anon.- 

Lugo.     See  where  he  comes,  as  eager  for  our  cause, 
As  e'er  was  knight  to  fight  for  lady-love. 

\_Enter  QiAJ>. 
Olid.    My  noble  chief,  and  you,  my  worthy  friends, 

I  greet  ye  all,  compatriots  in  arms. 
Cortez,  (embracing  Olid.}     Welcome,  most  welcome,  art  thoti 

to  our  ranks, 

It  gladdens  me  to  hail  thee  one  of  us. 
Olid.     It  will  be  ever  Olid's  greatest  pride 
To  follow  where  the  noble  Cortez  leads, 
( Aside.}  Till  I  can  grasp  the  truncheon  of  command. 
[CORTEZ  bows,  and  turns  and  seems  to  address  ALVA- 
RADO, LUGO  and  SANDOVAL,  and  walks  up  to 
MARIA,  as  OLID  continues  addressing  HASSAN. 
Prythee,  good  Hassan,  who  is  yonder  page, 
And  who  the  dame  that  he  holds  converse  with  ? 
Methinks  I  somewhere  have  seen  her  before. 


CORTEZ,  THE    CONQUEROR.  25 

Hassan.     The  boy's  a  foundling,  and  her  foster-son; 

And  she  is  wife  to  old  Estrada  there. 
Olid,  (aside.}     'Tis  a  strong  likeness,  and  'tis  very  strange. 

'Ah  !  ha!  there's  Cortez  making  speech  to  her. 
Cortez,  (to  Maria.}     Have  we  e'er  known  each  other,  gentle 

dame  ? 
Maria.     My  rank  in  life,  may  it  please  you,  is  too  low 

For  such  an  honor  to  be  claimed  by  rse. 
Cortez.     Well,  thou  indeed  hast  reared  a  gallant  boy, 
And  he  shall  henceforth  have  my  kindest  care. 
Maria.     Your  Excellency  hath  my  fervent  prayers. 

(Aside.)     0  !  thou  art  noble  even  in  thy  faults. 

[CORTEZ  returns  to  the  side  of  OLID. 
Cortez,  (aside,  while  crossing  io  centre.}     By  heaven  !  there  is 

expression  in  her  eyes, 

That  speaks  a  language  different  from  her  words. 
(To  the  soldiers.)     Brave  fellow-soldiers,  countrymen 

and  friends, 

Your  punctual  presence  here  deserves  my  thanks, 
And  from  my  heart  you  have  them.     Well  you  know 
The  malice  of  Velasquez  would  o'erturn 
Our  noble  project,  but  your  willing  aid 
Gives  me  to  throw  defiance  in  his  teeth, 
And  thus  I  rend  his  warrant  of  arrest,    [ Tears  paper. 
And  by  this  goodly  sword,  I  truly  swear,         [Draws. 
And  by  tin's  sacred  emblem  at  its  hilt,        \_The  cross. 
That  I  will  ne'er  forsake  ye  in  your  need, 
Will  share  your  dangers,  and  partake  your  toil, 
Lead  you  to  fame  and  fortune,  or  lay  clown 
My  life  in  the  attempt  to  compass  them. 

[Shouts  of  Cortez  forever  !  Long  live  brave  Cortez  ! 
Our  gallant  vessels,  in  the  offing,  there, 
Sit  like  fair  halcyons,  brooding  on  the  waves, 
Nursing  bright  hopes  of  riches  ai:d  renown; 
And  the  long  pennons,  from  their  slender  masts, 
Sport  in  the  breeze  and  beckon  us  away, 
To  win  high  honor  by  chivalrous  deeds. 
Let  us  at  once  embark,  while  fortune  smiles: 
But  first  invoke  a  blessing  on  our  cause — 
Father,  thine  office  ! 

[CottTEZ  and  all  kneel,  (xcept  OLMEDO. 

Olmedo,  (pointing  to  the  banner  of  the  cross.)     My  friends  nntj 
children, 


2(5  CORTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR. 

In  this  all-holy  sign  may  ye  go  on, 
Conquering,  and  to  conquer.     Be  ye  just, 
And  render  mercy  to  a  tallen  foe, 
AB  ye  shall  hope  for  mercy  from  en  high, 
And  by  this  holy  symbol  be  ye  blest — 
Henceforward  and  forever — bless  ye  !  bless  ye  ! 
Cortez,  (as  they  all  rise.)    Strike  up,  and  onward  to  our 

ships — strike  up ! 

[A  grand  march  is  played. — They  form  a  procession 
and  march  out  to  the  music,  COETEZ  and  OLID 
together. — Curtain  falls . 


END  OF  ACT  I. 


CORTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR,  27 


ACT  II.— SCENE  FIRST. 


SCENE. — Street  in  the  city  of  Mexico. — Enter  TEUTILE  and  HIGH 
PRIEST,  meeting. 

Teutile.    Health  to  thoe,  Lord  Divine,  most  holy  priest ;' 
Glory  to  thy  high  office,  and  to  thee. 

Priest.     Peace  to  Lord  Teutile,  and  may  the  Gods 
Still  on  our  monarch's  favorite  kindly  smile. 

Teuttie.    Thanks,  holy  sir — thou  art  from  sacrifice: 
What  do  the  augurs  of  the  Gods  portend, 
Touching  the  band  of  white-fac'd  warriors, 
Whose  strange  deportment  and  most  marv'lous  deeds 
Have  filled£the  land  with  wonder  and  with  awe  ? 

Priest.    Alas  !  our  omens  are  of  evil  cast : 

The  Gods  desert  us  in  our  utmost  need — 
Some  dire  calamity  awaits  our  race. 

teutile.    Thou  speakest  marvels — what  has  come  to  pass  ? 

Priest,    This  morn,  our  most  renowned  prisoner, 

The  brave  Tuscucan  Chieftain,  was  brought  forth, 

As  fittest^offering  for  our  Deities. 

Upon  the  sacrificial  stone  we  stretched 

Our  living  victim.    Deep  into  his  side 

I  struck  the  sacred  knife,  but  from  the  wound 

There  flowed  no  blood.     Quickly  ISgrasped  his  heart, 

And  tore  it  bloodless  from  his  mangled  corse, 

And  held  it  up ;  no  vapor  from  it  came, 

But  like  an  ice-clod  in  my  hand  it  froze. 

My  fellow  priests,  awe-stricken,  stood  aghast,. . 

And  the  ten  thousand  worshippers  who  knelt 

In  the  great  temple,  beat  their  breasts,  and  groaned, 

At  the  dread^omen  of  the  sacrifice ; 

Anon,  loud  peals  of  thunder  burst  on  high, 

And  shook  our  altars,  and  fierce  lightning  played, 

In  vivid  gleamings,  round  about  our  gotlsj 

Who  seemed  to  tremble  in  their  holy  shrines. 

Thick  clouds  of  blackness  shrouded  all  the  skies, 

And  gusts  of  wind  blew  out  the  sacred  lights, 


28  CORTEZ,   THE   CONQUEROR. 

That  ne'er  for  ages  were  extinct  before. 
Soon  through  the  darkness  came  a  flash  and  peal, 
Which  cleft  in  twain  the  temple— and  the  lire 
E'en  now  is  bursting  through  the  crackling  roof- — 
And  in  the  dust,  priests,  worshippers  and  all, 
Bowed  down  their  heads,  and  yells  and  shrieks  of  woe 
liroke  ffom  the  croAvd,  and  horror  reigned  supreme. 
I  Teutile.     May  the  good  Gods  be  merciful ! — but  how 

Do  these  mysterious  omens  tell  our  fate, 
Or  theirs — those  strangers,  who,  so  reckless,  seek, 
In  spite  of  our  dread  monarch's  high  command, 
.To  seek  admittance  to  his  royal  co'Tt  ? 

Priest.     There  are  old  legends  by  our  people  held, 
Of  ancient  prophecies,  which  did  foretell 
A  race  that  from  the  orient  would  come, 
And  seize  our  empire,  even  as  our  sires 
Did  sei/e  it  when  they  fled  from  Aztalan  : 
•And  now  these  marv'lous  demonstrations  seem 
The  auguries  that  heralds-like  precede 
The  true  fulfilment  of  those  prophecies. 

Teutile.     Oft  in  my  youth  I  heard  the  courtiers  tell 
Of  wondrous  things  foretold  in  olden  time. 

Priest.     The  king  has  summons  for  his  counsel  sent ; 
The  royal  household  in  dismay  is  wrapt ; 
Doubt  and  distraction  have  usurp'd  men's  minds. 
Art  thou  for  court  ? 

Teutile.  No — Montozuma  hath 

Appointed  me  ambassador,  to  speak 
His  royal  pleasure  to  the  stranger  chief, 
And  bidden  me  give  him  many  gifts  of  gold, 
And  precious  gems,  and  costly  merchandise, 
,  As  tokens  of  his  great  munificence, 
And  of  our  empire's  grandeur.     1  must  speed, 
My  gracious  master's  mission  to  perform. 

Priest.     I  must  to  court,  to  counsel  with  the  king. 

[Exeunt  severally. 


SCENE  SECOND. 


SCESF. —  Vera  C'rnz. — Spanish  Camp. — Sei  in  the  distance. — COR- 
TKZ,  »M  splendid  robes,  tseaied  in  a  magnificent  tent. — Banner 


<t  — .-. — ... 


COETEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR,  29 

of  the  Cross,  icifh  motto. —  Officers  standing  around,  and  all 
the  Spaniards  ranged  in  order. — OLMEDO  to  the  right  of  COR- 
TEZ,  and  MARINA  and  MARIA  on  his  left,  Page  bearing  his 
shield  and  helmet. 

Cortez.     Thus  far  propituously  our  star  has  shone, 

And,  spite  of  threatening  skies  and  raging  winds, 
And  all  the  dangers  that  old  Xeptune  throws 
Around  the  wearv  voyager's  frail  barlt, 
We  safely  tread  the  land  we've  come  to  win, 
Like  coursers,  eager  from  the  starting  point, 
We'll  strain  each  muscle  till  we  reach  the  goal, 
And,  like  the  olden  champions  of  the  crobs, 
In  the  crusade  the  holy  Hermit  preached 
Against  the  Oriental  infidels, 
We,  'neath  our  glorious  banner's  sacred  folds, 
W'ill  onward  march  to  plant  the  crucifix 
Amidst  the  heathens  of  the  Occident, 
Who  shall  bow  down  and  worship  the  true  sign. 
Olmedo.     Heaven  grant  it  so. 
Cortez.  It  id  the  prayer  of  all. 

[Enter  ESTRADA,  0.  P. 
Estrada.     Your  Excellency,  an  ambassador, 

Lord  Teutil6  by  name,  who  says  he  comes 
From  Montczuma,  charged  with  heavy  trusts, 
Craves  audience,  and  waits  without. 
Cortez.  ^  'Tis  well- 

Greet  him  with  ceremonious  respect, 
And  with  all  signs  of  honor  show  him  here. 

[Exit  ESTRADA,  0.  P. 

Now,  since  my  fellow  soldiers  have  vouchsafed, 
By  their  free  suffrage,  to  confirm  my  power,     . 
As  representative  of  our  lord,  the  king, 
1  feel  that  I  am  clothed  with  double  trust ; 
First,  by  commission  from  Velasquez  held, 
Next,  by  the  unbought  choice  of  those  I  lead, 
And  it  bhall  be  my  study  so  to  acquit 
Myself  to  them,  and  to  my  sovereign,  too, 
That  none  shall  say  Cortez  has  not  done  well. 

[Music. — Enter  TEUTIL£.  0.  P.,  shown  in  by  P^STRA- 
DA,  and  followed  by  train,  and  by  bearers  with 
the  banners  of  Mexico,  caskets  of  gold  and  gems, 
golden  wares,  bales  of  merchandise,  feather  orna- 
ments, &c..  a  large  ami  tf  gold,  and  morn  of  sil- 
ver.— CORTKZ  rises,  salutes  him,  and  resumes  his 
seat.  • 


30  CORTtiZ,  THE   COXQUEEOB, 

Cortez.    Most  welcome,  good  my  lord. 

Teuttte.  All  hail  to  thes  ! 

Cortez.    How  fares  thy  liege,  imperial  Montezuma  ? 

leutile.     He  keeps  his  health  and  state,  but  marvels  mnch 
That  thou  dost  still  persist  in  thy  demand, 
Even  against  his  strong  express'd  desire, 
To  visit  the  great  city  where  he  reigns  ; 
Yet,  while  he  gives  denial  to  thy  wish, 
He  sends  kind  greetings,  and  warm  words  of  lovej 
To  thee  and  all  thy  friends;  and  gives,  bcsides> 
As  tokens  of  his  high  regard  for  you, 
These  gems  and  wares,  made  from  that  yellow  earth 
Which  all  thy  race  so  covet,  and  he  sends 
To  the  all-potent  monarch  whom  ye  serve, 
These  costly  images,  which  represent 
The  sun-god  reigning  over  golden  day, 
And  the  soft  pearly  queen  of  silver  night. 
These,  as  the  tokens  of  his  love  he  sends, 
And  bids  ye  go,  and  seek  his  land  no  more. 

Cortez,     The  great  munificence  thy  king  displays 
Our  admiration  wins,  and  for  his  gifts, 
We  are  most  grateful,  but  we  still  must  hope 
That  he  will  give  us  audience  at  his  court. 
The  mighty  monarch  whom  we  represent, 
Having  of  Montezuma's  glory  heard 
Sent  me,  his  messenger,  to  seek  for  him 
Alliance  with  the  crown  of  Mexico. 
And  I  am  with  important  message  charged, 
Which  only  to  thy  emperor  I  can  teli, 
And  dare  not  seek  my  native  land  again, 
Till  I  my  sov'reign's  mandate  have  fulfilled. 

Teutile.     Your  answer  to  my  master  I  will  bear, 

And  crave  your  leave  to  let  my  limners  take 
Drawings  of  all  the  marv-ellous  things  I  see, 
That  I  may  show  them  to  my  sovereign  liege. 

Cortez.     Thou  hast  it— Alvarado,  pray  thee  see 

These  gifts  disposed  in  safety,  and  see,  too, 
That  he  hath  all  facilities  he  wants; 
And  send  by  him  some  presents  to  his  king : 
A  sword,  bright  ornaments,  and  things  of  show. 
[ Jfujic.i'EUTiLE  makes  obeisance  to  CORTEZ. — ALVA- 
RADO salutes  TEUTILE,  and  they  exeunt  together, 
preceded  by  bearers,  &c.    Music  ceases. 


CORTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR.  31 

Good  father  (to  Olmedo.)  I  would  have  thee  try  thy 

skill, 

Thy  most  persuasive  eloquence  to  wean 
You  Indian  maiden,  eur  interpreter, 
From  the  base  idols  whom  her  people  praise, 
To  the  pure  Deity  whom  we  adore. 

Olmedo.     I  have  already  on  myself  enjoined 

The  holy  task. 

Cortez.  Heaven  speed  thee  in't. 

Her  knowledge  of  the  many  languages 
Of  these  idolatrous  and  diverse  tribes, 
That,  thick  as  locusts,  people  all  this  land, 
May  tend  to  vast  results  in  bringing  o'er 
These  wretched  heathens  to  the  Christian  faith. 
I'll  speak  to  her — Marina  ! 

Marina,  (advancing  towards  Cortez,  and  making  obeisance.}    My 

dread  lord! 

Cortez.    I'd  have  thee  lend  a  willing,  listening  ear 
To  the  good  counsels  of  this  holy  priest. 
He'll  leach  thee  knowledge  of  a  Deity 
Of  holiness,  benevolence  and  love, 
Unlike  thy  Btony*imaged  God  of  Air, 
Whom  ye  delight  to  worship  with  the  blood 
And  reeking  entrails  of  your  fellow  men. 
The  God  we  worship  abhors  human  blood 
In  murderous  sacrifice  :  His  mandates  teach 
"  Peace  and  good  will  towards  men." 

Marina.  My  noble  lord, 

I  ne'er  till  late  did  hear  of  any  Gods, 
Save  those  my  fathers  always  did  adore, 
Who,  as  they  say,  bring  rain  unto  the  fields, 
And  make  the  fruits  and  flowers  to  come  forth, 
Guard  us  in  life  from  evil,  and  in  death 
Soothe  and  console  us,  and  our  spirits  waft 
To  happy  regions  far  above  the  sun. 
Cortes.    Thou  hast  been  reared  in  error.     Holy  sir, 
I  pray  thee  speedily  about  thy  task. 

Olmedo.    It  is  a  Christian  duty,  doing  which 

Blesses  the  doer.    I'll  even  now  commence. 
Come  with  me,  maiden. 

Marina.  I  attend  thee,  sir. 

[She  crosses  to  OLMEDO,  and  he  leads  her  out. — Enter 
SAXPOVAL,  0.  1\ 


32  COETEZ,  THE   COXQUEEOE. 

Sandoval.     Our  ships,  according  to  your  orders  given, 
Are  all  destroyed,  and  nought  remain  to  us, 
But  glorious  victory  or  heroic  death, 
Cortez.     Why,  that  is  uell!     We  cannot  now  return 
Even  if  we  would,  and  so  must  needs  go  on, 
Determined  all  to  conquer  gloriously ; 
And  after-ages  shall  with  wonder  hear, 
How  half  a  thousand  brave  Castilian  troops, 
In  a  strange  land,  two  thousand  leagues  from  home, 
And  compassed  round  by  myriads  of  foes, 
Of  their  free  will,  cut  off  their  own  retreat, 
And  by  their  self-devotion  won  a  world. 

[Enter  ALVARAPO. 
Alvarado.     A  deputation  of  Tlascalan  chiefs 

Has  just  come  in  with  offers  from  their  tribe, 
Of  homage  to  our  king,  and  they  propose, 
As  allies  on  our  march  to  Mexico, 
To  join  our  ranks  with  fifty  thousand  men. 

[CORTEZ  seizes  the  standard,  and  ruslies  front. 
Cortez.     Thanks  for  that  news,  for  every  man  a  thank, 
Full  fifty  thousand  thanks  !     0  !  cavaliers, 
Let  now  your  proud  hearts  send  the  crimson  glow 
Of  hope-born  blushes  to  your  sea-blanched  cheeks  ; 
Let  every  breast  exulting  swell  with  joy  ;         [Kneels. 
And  thou,  most  lovely  goddess,  Victory, 
Whom  warriors  worship,  and  who  art  enthron'd 
The  crowned  and  sceptred  queen  of  chivalry, 
0,  hear  us,  and  accept  our  offering  ! 
Vouchsafe  the  glory  we  anticipate ; 
In  thy  dear  charge  this  holy  standard  take, 
And  wave  it  o'er  this  land  !     This  spot  of  earth, 
The  first  that  did  receive  on  these  rich  shores 
The  impress-  of  our  feet,  we  consecrate 
Ever  to  thee,  and  to  the  holy  cross ; 
And  h*re  a  goodly  city  we  will  rear — 
"La  Villa  Eica  de  la  Vera  Cruz."  [Rises. 

Come,  gallant  Captains,  brave  Castilians,  come ! 
Let  us  go  forth  to  meet  our  new  allies, 
•And  on  for  Mexico  and  victory  ! 

[March  out.  CORTEZ  and  OLID  hand  in  hand,  with 
flourish  of  drums,  trumpets,  &ct 


COBTEZ,  THE   CONQUEKOll.  38 

SCENE  THIRD. 


SCENE. — A  Short  Wood  Scene. — Moonlight. — Enter  SANDOVAL  and 
ALVARADO. 

Sandoval.     The  sun's  last  rays  are  lingering  in  the  sky, 

And,  see,  the  moon  is  chining  through  yon  trees. 
How  far,  Don  Pedro,  have  we  marched  to-day  ? 

Alvarado.     Indeed  I  know  not,  how  far  dost  thou  guess  ? 

Sandoval.     Some  four  short  leagues,  not  more. 

Alvarado.  That's  as  I  think, 

And  we  have  had  to  fight  for  ev'ry  foot. 
'Tis  here-about  the  general  means  to  camp. 
Our  men  are  all  recalled,  and  our  allies 
Plac'd  on  the  outposts.     All  our  foes  have  flecL 
To-morrow,  with  the  sun  we  march  betimes. 

Sandoval.     We'll  need  all  rest  to-night. 

Alvarado.  Ay,  that  we  will, 

After  the  toil  nnd  battle  of  to-day. 
By  my  faith,  Gonzalez,  these  Chohulons 
Outfight  the  Moors ;  they  kept  my  rascals  all 
Busy  from  morn  till  now,  and,  though  they  fell 
Fast  as  the  laaves  in  autumn,  still  they  came, 
Faster  than  rain-drops  in  a  summer's  shower. 
By  heaven  !  it  was  a  splendid  sight  to  see 
Their  troops  advancing,  tens  of  thousands  strong, 
With  helms  of  quaint  device  ;  some  like  wild  beasts, 
And  some  like  birds  of  every  varied  plume, 
Rising  from  crowns  of  gold,  studded  with  gems, 
That  to  the  sun  gave  back  his  rays  again, 
Bright  as  he  sent  them  ;  their  barbaric  dresses, 
In  which  the  rainbow  colors  seemed  to  vie, 
Which  should  outshine  the  other  ;  and  then,  too, 
Their  flaunting  banners  of  bright  green  and  gold, 
Embossed  and  pictured  o'er 'with  strange  conceits; 
Their  odd  accoutrements,  bows,  swords  and  spears, 
Ta'en  altogether  made  a  pageant  up, 
Beyond  the  heraldry  of  Christendom. 
Sandoval.     It  was  indeed  a  sight  magnificent. 

How  went  the  day  with  thce  ? 
Alvarado.  Not  very  ill : 

I  had  five  wounded,  one  right  badly,  too. 


34  COBTEZ,  THE    CONQUEKGR. 

How  fared  thy  troop  ? 

Sandoval.  Why>  for  the  work  they  did, 

They  came  off  well,  with  some  few  arrow  wounds, 

But  nolle  severe.     Olid's  and  Lugo's  men, 

Far'd  worse  than  mine,  and  in  the  General's  troop, 

I  learn  there's  serious  loss.     Our  brave  allies 

Have  had  three  thousand  slain.     Thanks  to  our  stars  1 

ThoKG  superstitious  fools,  our  enemies, 

Believe  us  men  and  horse  together  formed, 

Centaurs  complete,  and  all  invulnerable, 

Alvarad*.     Ay,  and  they  think  our  cannon  is  no  less 
Than  veritable  thunder.     How  they  fled, 
Trampling  each  other  down  in  their  hot  haste, 
When  t  .(y  beheld  their  ranks  mowed  by  our  shot. 
By  our  lady  1  I  laugh'd  until  I  wept, 
To  see  the  knaves  so  frightened  ;  but,  forsooth, 
They  ever  and  anon  would  rally  them, 
And  give  us  work  enough, 

Sandoval.  They  did  contest 

Our  this  day's  march  with  skillful  bravery, 
And  paid  cur  loss  with  their  score  thousands  slain, 
And  with  rich  booty,  too.     Whom  have  we  here  ? 
The  General,  and  the  brave  Tlascalan  chief. 

[Enter  CORTEZ  MEXICATZIX,  P.  0. — SANDOVAL  and 

ALNARADO  salute  ihein. 

Cortfz.     Good  cvt>,  good  gentlemen.     Our  noble  friend, 
Bold  Mexicatzin,  with  his  warriors, 
lias  this  day  done  rich  service  to  our  lord. 
Good  ehief,  I  have  not  opulence  of  words 
Enough  to  speak  my  thanks,  but  I'll  report 
Thy  gallant  conduct  to  my  sovereign  lieg«, 
Who  will  reward  thce  with  imperial  grace. 
Mexicatzin.     \  do  believe  thee.     I  am  wonder  lost, 

At  the  strange  things  l'v«  this  day  heard  and  s«en. 

1're  marked  how  powerful  \e  are  in  war, 

How  fierce,  how  monstrous,  and  how  terrible, 

Your  mighty  engines  and  brave  animals, 

By  which  ye'vo  slain  thousands  upon  thousands. 

My  people  reck  not  of  their  loss  to-day, 

Hut  pact  to  be  in  hated  Mexico, 

*]  here  to  inflict  dread  vengeance,  with  thy  aid, 

On  bloody  Montezuma  for  the  wrongs 

The  tyrant  wretch  has  done  to  all  our  race. 


CORTEZ,  THE    CONQUEROR.  35 

Coriez.     That  them  shalt  have,  be  sure.     Good  Alvarado, 
See  our  bold  friend  befittingly  bcsto\v'd. 
Give  him  a  tent  with  full  appliaacca  ; 
And  give  him,  too,  a  helmet,  shield  and  sword  ; 
Weil  hath  he  earned  them,  and  will  use  t.  em  well. 
Before  thou  dost  betake  thee  to  thy  rest, 
I'd  have  thee  visit  all  our  men-at-arms, 
And  make  report  to  me.     I'll  pitch  ray  teut 
In  yonder  vale  beside  the  rivulet. 
Brave  chief,  good  eve. 

Mcxicatzin.  Great  stranger,  fare  thee  well ; 

(To  Sandoval.)     And  thou,  mcst  noble  sir. 

[Exit  0.  P.,  with  ALVARADO. 
Coriez.  Good  Sandoval, 

Our  this  day's  victory  was  dearly  won  ; 
Two  gallant  steeds  lie  slain  upon  t^e  field  ; 
A  heavy  loss  indeed.     Take  chosen  men, 
And  secretlj  their  carcasses  inter, 
And  with  great  care  replace  the  new-dug  sods, 
And  strew  the  place  with  leaves,  and  leave  no  sign 
By  which  our  foes  may  find  that  our  good  barbs 
Are  not  invulnerable  as  they  dtjcm. 

Sandoval.     I  will  about  it  straight.  [He  turns  to  go. 

Cortez.  Hold  thee  awhile. 

Gonzalez,  tell  me  hast  thou  not  of  late 
Marked  aught  in  Olid's  conduct  seeming  strange? 
Sandoval.     Not  I. 

Cortez.  Methinks  he  has  grown  much  reserved  ; 

Ay,  cold  to  me,  while  with  his  meu-at-arms 
,  He  is  familiar  overmuch,  and  thus 

Lessens  his  dignity  and  their  respect. 
Sandoval.     To  equals  and  supeiiors  he  was  always 
Cold  and  reserved,  but  to  inferiors 
He  aye  had  gentle  and  mo»*t  winning  ways. 
So  to  his  men  ;  he  seeks  to  win  their  love, 
And,  with  their  love,  win  their  obedience,  too. 
Cortez.     Well,  well,  no  more  <>f  it.     Meet  me  an«n, 
Near  to  my  camping-place  ;  now  to  thy  work. 

[Exit  SANDOVAL,  P.  S. 

(Solus.)     I'll  watch  that  Olid,  for  I  doubt  him  much. 
His  dark  and  double  nature  well  I  know, 
And  towards  me  he  hath  an  olden  haie, 
For  that  he  did,  in  my  wild  college  days. 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEKOK. 

Suspect  me  with  his  sister,  fair  Amma, 
Who  fled  from  Salamanca,  none  knew  where. 
I'll  tend  him  strictly,  with  a  wakeful  care. 
Oh  !  he's  a  man  I  cannot  watch  too  well, 
Heaven's  in  his  face,  and  in  his  heart  is  hell ! 

[Exit,  0.  P. 


END  OF  ACT  II. 


COETEZ,  THE   CONQUEKOB.  37 


ACT  III.— SCENE  FIRST. 


SCENE. 
Enter 
l>y  OLMEDO. 


A  deep  Wood  of  Tropical  trees,  vines,  &c.,  in  full  foliage, 
r  MARIA,  with  helmet,  cuirass,  shield  and  sword,  followed 


Olmcdo.     Daughter,  that  warrior  guise  befits  thee  not : 
It  ill  beseems  a  Christian  woman,  thus 
To  wear  the  dread  habiliments  of  war, 
And  stain  her  hands  with  human  beings'  blood. 
Throw  down  the  sword  and  take  a  distaff  up, 
Or  get  thee  to  thy  prayers  and  rosary. 
Thy  station  is  not  in  the  field  ot  fight, 
Thou  shoaldst  be  rather  by  the  dying  bed, 
Bestowing  comfort  to  the  parting  soul, 
Or  tending  at  the  wounded  soldier's  couch, 
Soothing  his  agony  with  healing  balm. 
Shame  on  thee !  that  thou  hast  unsexed  thyself. 
[During  the  above,  CORTEZ   enters  unobserved,  and 

stands  apart  until  MARIA  has  spoken,  and  then 

moves  down  front. 

Maria.     Sir  Priest,  take  back  thy  taunt,  and  mind  thy  beads, 
And  keep  thy  station  as  I  keep  to  mine, 
For  know  ye,  sir,  that  1  was  born  and  bred 
A  soldier's  daughter.     I'm  a  soldier's  wife, 
And  keep  mine  own.     Had  I  been  bred  to  church, 
I  would  have  made  a  better  priest  than  thou. 
Thy  lily  liver  ill  becomes  a  man  ; 
Thy  chicken  heart  would  shame  a  Carmel  nun  ! 
01  o  doff  thy  cassock,  put  on  petticoats, 
Assume  the  distaff,  and  go  spin.     Go,  go! 
Thou  paltry  priest,  thou  most  unmanly  man. 
Corlez.     Prythee,  fair  Maria,  speak  him  more  fair, 

And  reverence  more  his  Reverence's  cloth. 
Maria.     An't  please  ye,  General,  it  is  his  cloth 
That  I  do  reverence,  and  not  the  man, 
Who  to  his  cloth  is  most  irreverent. 
That  ever  he  should  dare  the  wearing  it  { 


38  COETEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

He  eats  a  soldier's  rations,  and  takes  up 

A  soldier's  room,  while  we  have  need  of  men, 

Or  women  either,  who  h  ave  skill  at  arms. 

Cortez.     Tut,  tut,  have  done  this  wrangling — get  thee  hence  ! 
Go  to  thy  husband,  and  hold  speech  with  him. 

Maria.     My  husband  dares  not  bait  me  as  he  has. 

Cortez,  (Aside.)     Faith,  I  believe  thee,  or  thou  wouldst  beat 

him. 

(Aloud,)  Thou  shouldst  the  holy  father's  counsels  take 
In  better  spirit.     They  are  kindly  meant, 
And  'tis  his  province  to  correct  and  chide. 
But  since  thou  hast  a  warrior  become, 
And  truly^  a  most  brave  and  gallant  one, 
Thou  dost  forget  what  is  a  churchman's  due. 
But  no  more  of  this — go  to  thy  husband, 
Bid  him  lead  down  his  men  to  the  huge  rock 
That  overhangs  the  spring  in  yonder  vale. 
There  must  they  watch  to-night.  [Exit  MABIA. 

(Aside,  looking  after  her.)     It  scemeth  strange, 
But  there's  a  something  in  that  woman's  looks, 
And  in  her  presence,  that  gives  me  unrest 
And  why.  I  know  not.     (Aloud.)     Well,  reverend  sir, 
How  speed  thy  counsels  with  thy  proselyte, 
The  Indian  maid,  Marina  ? 

Olmedo.  She  has  passed 

Through  the  baptismal  rites,  and  hath  received 
The  holy  sacrament,  and  doth  profess 
The  faith  and  rule  of  holy  mother  church. 
Corlez.     Full  well,  good  father,  hath  thou  done  thy  task. 
From  this  first  fruit,  first  convert  of  thy  zeal, 
We'll  augur  kindly,  and  with  fervor  pray 
That  the  all-blessed  cross  may  soon  supplant 
The  idols  of  these  heathens,  and  the  church, 
The  Apostolic,  right  true  Church  of  Rome, 
By  Peter's  blessings,  govern  all  this  land. 

Olmedo.     Amen ! 
Cortez.  Here  comes  the  lovely  r.eopbyte. 

Olmedo.     I  take  my  leave.  [Exit. 

[Enter  MARINA,  dressed  in  the  style  of  a  Spanish 

lady. 
Corlez.  Sweet  Marina,  welcome  ! 

Thou  art  thrice  welcome,  since  thou  comest  now, 
Thus  cloth'd  in  Christian  garb  and  Christian  faith, 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  39 

Adorning  each,  and  each  adorning  thee. 

Marina.     Health  to  my  lord  ! 
Cortez.  I  oftentimes  have  thought 

That  I  would  like  to  hear  thy  history  : 
The  eve  is  calm,  the  perfume-laden  air 
IB  fresh  and  sweet.     I  will  with  pleasure  list, 
The  while  thou  tellest  it.     Go  on.     \Lcads  her  to  a  seat. 

Marina.  'Tis  brief. 

In  Coat-zac-u-alcOj  in  a  village 
Call'd  Pain-alla,  my  mother  gave  me  birth. 
I  was  her  only  child — my  sire  soon  died  ; 
Of  many  wealthy  districts  he  was  lord, 
To  Montezuma  paying  fealty, 
My  mother  very  soon  again  was  wed, 
And  by  this  second  union  had  a  son. 
A  slave,  about  my  age,  took  sick  and  died  ; 
She  and  her  lord  gave  out  that  it  was  I, 
And  clothed  themselves  in  mourning.     Privily 
I  was  conveyed  into  Xi-all-an-co, 
Thence  to  Tobasco,  and  there  sold  a  slave, 
\Vas  captured  oft,  and  oft  was  sold  again, 
Till  my  good  fortune  made  me  gift  to  thee, 
My  gen'rous  master. 

Cortez.  Tell  me  what  cansed 

Thy  unnatural  mother's  cruelties. 

Marina.     She  and  her  lord  knew  that  my  legal  rights 
Would  bar  their  son  from  the  inheritance. 
And  me  not  loving,  sold  me,  as  I've  said, 
That  he  might  be  sole  heir. 
Cortez.  By  my  conscience  1 

Thou  shalt  be  reinstated  in  thy  rights. 
The  faithful  service  thou  hast  rendered  me, 
Has  won  thy  ransom  o'er  a  thousand  times. 

Marina.     I  have  but  done  my  duty  to  my  lord. 
Cortez.     My  sweet  interpreter,  most  eloquent, 

Thy  tongue  interprets  'twixt  these  tribes  and  me : 
Let  thy  meek  eyes  interpret  love  for  me. 

Marina.     Can  Cortez  speak  of  lore  to  his  poor  slave  ? 
Cortez.     Ay,  by  my  soul !  for  I  do  feel  it  here.  • 

0  I  my  dear  captive,  thou  hast  captured  me  I 
No  more  art  thou  my  slave,  for  I  am  thine. 

Marina.    I  am  thine  own. 
Cortez.  My  lov«,  my  life,  my  joy  1 


40  COKTEZ,  THE   COXQUOKfiE. 

Marina.     0  !  my  beloved  lord  !    [Rests  her  head  on  Ids  shoulder. 
Cortez.  Come,  let  me  lead  thee. 

Marina.     Whither  wouldst  them  go  ? 
Cortez.     To  yonder  vale,  where,  from  the  rifted  rock, 
That  gleams  with  emeralds  and  amethysts, 
The  pure,  sweet  stream,  like  liquid  silver,  pours, 
To  glide  and  gurgle  over  grains  of  gold  ; 
And  from  its  bosom,  now  and  then,  leaps  up 
Some  finny  habitant,  whose  shiny  scales, 
Like  diamonds,  sparkle  in  the  night  queen's  light, 
A  little  moment,  and  he  dives  again. 
Down  in  that  vale,  my  love,  we'll  rest  tonight. 
Our  eveniog  meal  shall  be  delicious  fruits: 
Apples  more  choice  than  Eve's  forbidden  one, 
Sugary  pears,  and  luscious  pomegrantes, 
The  juicy  orange,  and  bananas  rich, 
The  mellow  ananas,  and  blushing  peach, 
That  may  have  stolen  its  hue  from  thy  bright  cheeks, 
The  melting,  pulpy,  sweet,  wine-giving  grape, 
And  nectarines,  whose  most  exquisite  juice 
The  olden  heathens  feigned  their  gods  did  quaff; 
These,  and  spicy  nuts,  and  pungent  berries, 
And  golden  melons,  shall  compose  our  meal. 
The  mock-bird,  sweetest  of  all  choristers, 
Shall  make  us  music.     The  gorgeous  cactus, 
Soft-scented  pink,  and  delicate  lilac, 
Sweet  heart's  ease,  mignionette,  and  heliotrope, 
The  lady  lily  and  the  maiden  rose, 
And  other  of  fair  Flora's  favorites, 
Blooming  about,  will  yield  us  their  perfume  ; 
The  fire-flies,  like  jewels  on  the  wing, 
•  Shall  sparkle  round  us,  and  the  busy  leaves, 
That  ne'er  cease  wagging  in  the  cooling  breeze, 
Like  tongues  shall  whisper  murmers  of  delight. 
Marina.     0  !  my  dear  lord,  thy  fancy  is  too  wild ; 

It  hath  unhorsed  thy  reason.     Why,  methinks 
Thou  hast  been  learning  tales  of  those  strange  lands 
That  the  bright  sun  first  smiles  on  in  the  morn, 
And  now  rehearsest  them  to  me ;  of  such 
Father  Olmedo  oft  hath  told  me. 

Cortez.  Nay, 

I  speak  of  things  about  and  near  to  us, 

In  this  bright  land,  than  which  is  none  more  bright, 


r—  f  > 

i 

CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  41 

And  I  must  love  it  since  it  gave  me  thee. 
But  let  us  to  our  vale — the  evening  wanes*, 
Our  couch  shall  be  the  sweet  stream's  mossy  bank, 
With  whose  rich  velvet  Persia's  famous  looms 
Cannot  contend.     Our  curtained  canopy 
Shall  be  of  woodbine,  jasamine  and  vines, 
Such  as  love  most  for  lovers  to  make  bowers. 
And  when  at  times  the  wind  shall  part  their  leaves, 
The  saucy  moon,  and  cunning  winking  stars, 
Shall  through  them  peer,  arid  smilingly  look  down. 
Lending  us  just  enough  of  their  soft  light 
To  read  our  loves  in  one  another's  eyes. 
When  envious  sleep  shall  poppy-dew  our  lids, 
We'll  slumber  as  we  deem  the  angels  do, 
Dreaming  of  joys  renewed,  and  new  delights, 
And  sure  of  waking  to  a  blissful  morrow, 
Marina.    Thou  puatest  fondly. 

Cortez.  Sweet,  tbou  art  my  th«me. 

Marina.     I  iear  'twill  weary  thee. 
Cortez.  My  life  will  first. 

[CORTEZ  leads  her  to  ike.  fear  of  the  stage,  and  off. — 
OLID  enters,  0.  P,,  and  looks  after  them  as  1u 
speaks.- — LUGO  enters  from  upper  wing,  P.  8.t 
and  salutes  iher,i. 
Olid.     So,  so,  the  pretty  slave, 

The  gift  of  the  Tobascans,  our  late  foes, 
Is  like  to  prove  our  General's  favorite, 
His  chief  adviser  and  first  counsellor. 
A  fair  good  eve,  Francisco. 
Lugo.  Sir,  to  you. 

I  met  the  General,  as  I  came  along, 
With  his  new  toy,  Marina.     He  seems  fond 
As  a  young  bridegroom  in  his  honeymoon. 
Olid.     But  now  I  marked  tltem,  as  they  went  from  henc«. 
Methiuks,  forsooth,  our  Cortez  keeps  his  state, 
And  sways  it  like  a  king. 
Lugo.  Ay,  that  he  does, 

And  it  becpmes  him,  too. 

Olid.  \Y  hat's  in  thi«  man, 

That  he  should  be  more  great  th.tn  thou  or  I  ? 
He  was  not  KO  in  youth.     Thy  elder,  pinch, 
At  school  he  sat  upon  the  backward  form, 
Whilst  thou  o'ertopped  thy  fellows  i/a  thy  class. 
He'd  no  report  for  wit  or  bravery  ; 

a 


42  COETEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

No  fame  whate'er  save  the  vile  praise  that's  won 
By  -brothel  gallants  for  their  revelries  ; 
And  now  he  doth  set  up  a  sovereign's  state. 
He  calls  us  captains,  when,  in  fact,  we  are 
Mere  halberdiers  that  help  to  swell  his  pomp, 
And  do  his  bidding.     He  ne'er  asks  of  us 
Advice  or  counsel,  and  we  risk  as  much, 
And  fare  more  hard  than  he.     Why,  Francisco, 
Neither  in  scholarship  or  soldiership, 
Is  he  the  tithe  of  thoc. 
Lugo.  Look  ye,  Olid, 

We  cannot  all  be  first,  and  so  perforce, 

Some  must  be  second — the  captain  to  the  chief, 

And  to  the  captain  the  mere  man  at  arms, 

And  so  through  every  grade — thus  wags  the  world, 

Olid.    But  Cortez,  ere  he's  firmly  footed  here, 
Assumes  the  august  portage  of  a  king, 
Portending  an  outstretching  will  to  grasp 
At  power  absolute,  and  to  exact 
Homage  and  reverence  more  than  is  his  due. 
Doth  it  not  f.eem  so,  friend  ? 
Lugo.  I  must  confess 

I  like  not  well  the  ostentatious  show 
He  has  so  much  assumed,  nor  do  I  like 
The  lordly  tone  he  gives  his  orders  in ; 
And  I  have  marked  that  he  has  dropped,  of  late, 
Those  words  of  courtesy  and  blandsihment 
'Twas  once  his  wont  to  lard  his  speech  withal, 
When  he  addressed  his  officers. 

Olid.  Ay,  true. 

And  in  his  letters  home  to  our  king  Charles, 
He  most  elaborately  doth  set  forth 
His  services,  his  hardships  and  his  toils, 
As  if  the  brave  achievements  thus  far  won 
Were  all  his  doings,  all  the  glory  his. 
He  writes  the  king,  I  have  done  this  and  that, 
And  thus  and  so — all  mine,  all  Cortez,  Cortez — 
Nothing  but  Cortez ;  and  his  officers, 
He  mentions  in  the  general  catalogue, 
None  by  his  name,  but  in  the  common  roll, 
With  common  inen-at-arms.     I  know  not  how 
Other  men's  stomachs  may  endure  these  slights, 
But,  Lugo,  for  rny.self,  I  want  my  share, 


COKTEZ,  THE   CONQUEKOR.  4?O 

My  fall  share,  mark  me,  of  the  glory  got 
In  this  rich  enterprise. 

Lugo.  And  I  want  mine, 

And  I  will  have  it,  too. 
Olid*  Francisco^  think  I 

We  tread  a  vast  and  mighty  continent. 
Larger  than  Europe,  richer  far  than  Indus ! 
Why,  'tis  the  ancient  Ophir,  which  to  reach, 
For  three  years  tasked  the  sails  of  Solomon ; 
Peopled  by  tribes  that  have  no  skill  in  war, 
To  hurt  us  much,  and  easily  wrought  on 
To  hurt  each  other.     And  we  have  proved 
A  bare  batallion  of  brave  Spaniards  worth 
Whole  tens  of  thousands  of  these  heathen  troops. 
We  are  two  thousand  miles  from  native  Spain. 
Our  monarch's  sceptre  ne'er  can  reach  so  far. 
Here's  room  enough  to  cut  out  new  Castiles, 
New  Arragons  and  Granadas,  every  one 
An  empire's  self.     Shall  Cortee  sway  them  ail  ? 

Lugo.     No,  no,  by  heaven  ! 
Olid.  0 1  my  dear  Francisco, 

Is  there  not  here  a  glorious  theatre, 
For  high  ambition  to  enact  a  part, 
A  hero's  part  ? 

Lugo.  Indeed,  indeed,  there  is, 

By  my  true  faith. 

Olid.  0  !  for  seme  loyal  soul, 

To  plot  with  mine  for  glory  I 

Lugo.  Seek  it  here. 

Olid.    Come,  brother,  to  my  breast.  [They  embrcux. 

Lugo.  Now,  Christoval, 

Tell  me  thy  plans — give  me  to  know  them  all. 
Here's  head  to  plot,  and  arm  to  execute, 
And  spirit  to  endure. 

Olid.  Good,  my  good  friend. 

My  own  conceptions  are  as  yet  but  crude ; 
My  schemes  as  yet  all  undigested  are, 
But  from  the  chaos  of  my  teeming  brain, 
I'll  ere  long  fashion  an  harmonious  plan, 
Which  then  we  will  discourse  of.     The  meanwhile, 
Think  thov>,  dear  Lugo — let  thy  thought*  beget 
Some  system,  and  the  two  we  will  compare, 
And  choose  between  them. 


44  CORTEZJ  THE   CONQUEROK. 

Lugo.  Olid,  ihou  hast  waked 

The  spirit  that  too  long  has  slept  in  me. 
There  is  before  me  an  ali-glorious  light, 
Misted  and  shrouded,  it  is  true,  and  like 
The  bursting  morning  ere  the  fogs  dispel ; 
But  soon  'twill  break  into  a  brilliant  day. 
Olid.     Well,  well,  we  will  confer  together  soon. 
I'll  keep  thee  now  no  longer  from  thy  post. 
-  The  moon  has  almost  reached  her  highest  place — 
So,  fare  thee  well.     (Places  his  left  hand  on  his  shoul- 


der, cts  they  shake  hands.)     Think,  Lngo,  think  ! 
Lugo.  I  will.     [Exit,  P.  S. 

Olid,  (Solus,  looking  after  him*)     Old  schoolfellow,  i'  foith  I 

know  thee  well. 

I've  touched  a  chord  in  thy  all-restless  heart, 
Whose  wild  vibrations  will  not  cease  too  soon, 
The  damned  wrong  Cortex  did  mine  and  me 
Fevers  my  breast  and  festers  iu  my  brain. 
Would  that  the  time  were  ripe  for  my  revenge, 
I  must  be  wary — I,  too,  must  think,  think. 

[Short  pause. 
This  little  globe  an  empire,  and  my  will 

[His  hand  on  his  head. 
Shall  be  the  monarch  of  its  commonweal. 
No  rebel  passion  shall  usurp  its  reign, 
Or  factious  frenzy  stir  up  anarehy, 
But  vast  conceptions,  and  great  schemes  of  state, 
Of  inward  rule,  and  foreign  policy, 
Shall  germ,  and  bloom,  and  ripen  into  fruit, 
And  spread  their  essence  into  other  spheres, 
And  as  the  myriad  bright  orbs  on  high, 
Are  from  the  solar  centre  lighted  up, 
And  round  it  move  planets  and  satellites, 
E'en  so  this  orb  shall  unto  others  be 
A  splendid  sun  round  which  they  shall  revolve. 
Reflecting  back  the  intellectual  rays 
That  light  and  guide  and  vivify  the  whole. 
0  I  then,  a  halo  shall  encircle  it — 
A  glorious  halo,  an  Imperial  crown  !  [Exit,  P.  S. 
wsi&ta  .e- !  iT    .'}  •  i  SOT  t;<K$i  i>  ?f  i  •#  fry/  i  ^ 
0 


CORTEZ,  THB  CONQUEROR.          45 
SCENE  SECOND. 


SCEXE. — Throne-room  in  MOKTEZUMA'S  Paface.-^- MONTEZUMA  tn 
magnificent  robes,  on  the  throne. — HIGH  PRIEST,  and  NINNAH 
and  female  Attendants,  on  hit  right. — Nobles  and  Guards 
ranged  on  either  side,  with  banners,  and  a  golden  sun  and  a 
silver  moon. 

Monteznma.    Most  reverend  priect,  and  nobles  of  the  State, 
We  have  convened  ye  all,  in  council  here, 
I'o  learn  the  answer  Lord  Teutile  brings 
To  the  commands  we  sent  the  stranger  cbief. 
We  are  by  hasty  couriers  advised 
That  our  ambassador  is  speeding  back. 

[Trumpets  and  drums  without, 
Hark  I  heralds  now  announce  his  near  approach. 
[Music.— Enter  bearers  with  scrolls  representing  a 
ship,  a  crossbow,  a  carbine,  a  cannon,  a  Spaniard 
on  horseback. — The  bearers  arrange  themselves 
so  as  to  exhibit  the  scrolls  both  to  MONTEZUMA 
and  the  audience,  as1-  they  unroll  them. — TEUTILE 
enters  at  the  end  of  his  suite,  with  Spanish  sword 
sheathed  in  his  hand.     He  and  his  suite  make 
lowly  reverence  to  the  throne. 
Right  welcome  nome,-my  lord;  we  long  to  hear 
The  imports  of  thy  mission, 
Teutile.  Mighty  liege, 

I  duly  gave  your  mandates  t0  |^e  chief 
Of  the  white  warriors,  the  great  Ma-la-che, 
And  with  respect,  but  firmness,  he  replied, 
Saying  he  served  a  monarch  whose  behest* 
He  carried  out  in  whatsoe'er  he  did. 
He  hag  been  joined  by  our  Tlascalan  foes, 
And  with  their  aid  has  vanquished  the  Chohulani, 
And  hitherward  the  allies  now  approach. 
Montetuma.    Ye  Gods  1  this  cannot  be. 

Teutile.  'Tii  so,  my  liege, 

They  come  in  mighty  force,  but  'stead  of  threats, 
Ma-la-che  sends  thee  many  Words  of  grace, 
And  many  gifts  of  Strange  and  rare  conceit. 
And  substance  hitherto  unknown  to  us. 
Monttzuma.    Thy  tale  is  marvellous  indeed*    Go  on. 

Teutile.    Great  king  !  behold  this  shining,  wondrous  knife, 
Of  some  strange  metal,  to  us  all  unknown. 

[Draws  the  sword. 


46  COETEZ,  THE  CONQUOEEE. 

Iti  blade  cuts  keener  than  our  sharpest  flint. 
He  sends  thee  this  one,  hilted  with  a  cross. 
An  emblam  which  they  deem  a  holy  sign, 
And  rear  it  of  huge  logs  set  up  on  high, 
And  kneel  to  it  as  we  do  to  our  Gods. 

Moniezuma.    Thou  dost  amaze  me. 

Teutiie.  See  my  limners'  work  ! 

[Scrolls  are  unrolled,  and  he  points  with  the  sword  to 
..,•  each,  as  he  describes  them. 

In  great  canoes  like  this,  with  huge  white  wings, 
That  skim'd  the  mighty  seas  from  lands  remote, 
Enclosed  by  hundreds  in  their  pregnant  wombs, 
Those  fearful  strangers  have  been  borne  till  spawned 
Upon  our  shores,  to  work  us  weal  or  woe. 

Montezuma.    Do  I  only  dream  ? 

Teutiie.  All  is  too  true  ray  liege ! 

Montezuma.    Go  on !  go  on  ! 

Teutiie '.  Now  heed  me  well,  great  king. 

This  bow  of  strange  device  o'ershoots  our  own ; 
With  this  long  tube,  that  sends  forth  smoke  and  fire, 
They  kill  the  tiny  sparrow  on  the  wing ; 
E'en  when  his  flight  is  highest  m  the  heavens. 

Montezuma.    Most  wonderful  I 

Teutiie.  And  yet  more  wonderful : 

This  engine  flashes  fatal  lightning  forth. 
And  far  out-roars  the  thunder,  and  it  sends 
To  distances  remote,  great  heavy  globes, 
That  cleave  the  clear  air  all  invisible, 
Striking  tall  pines  that  have  for  ages  stood, 
Shattering  them  in  splinters. 

Montezuma.  Are  these  men, 

Or  are  they  Gods  ? 
Teutiie.  Or  Gods  or  more  than  men ! 

The§e  Irarriors  strange  are  clad  in  substance  hard,' 

Impenetrable  to  our  keenest  flint. 

And  here  observe :  upon  these  monstrous  beasts. 

They  mount  at  pleasure,  and  together  join 

And  of  the  twain  make  but  one  animal, 

That  can  outstrip  the  antelope  in  speed, 

And  match  the  giant  tapir  in  his  strength. 

Earth  trembles  at  its  tread,  and  the  deep  vales, 

Be-echo  far  and  wide  its  horrid  cries. 

Montezuma.    Wonder  upon  wonder ;  strange  and  marvellous ! 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEKQB.  47 

Can  all  these  things  be  true  ? 

Teutile.  Most  true,  dread  liege. 

Montezuma.     0  !  then,  alas!  tho  ancient  prophecies, 
That  did  foretell  the  downfall  of  our  race, 
By  bearded  white  men  from  the  Eastern  seas, 
Are  near  fulfilment.     Most  direful  portents 
Have  announced  our  end.     The  great  temple  bmrned  ; 
The  placid  waters  in  Tescuco's  lake 
Toss'd  in  huge  angry  billows,  white  with  foam  ; 
The  rill,  where  but  a  short  half-hour  ago, 
A  weary  man  could  scarcely  slake  his  thirst, 
Now  to  a  mighty  troublous  torrent  swollen ; 
The  nitid  star  that  strangely  shone  of  late, 
Lighting  the  aky  with  a  long  fiery  train, 
And  the  moon  hiding  the  bright  sun  at  noon, 
Till  misty  darkness  spread  o'er  all  the  earth. 
These  and  the  vigions  by  Fapatiin  seen, 
Which  she,  my  sister,  tearfully  to  me 
Recounted,  as  on  Jier  death  couch  she  lay. 
All,  all !  are  omens  that  presage  our  doom. 
0  !  woe  is  me  ;  l«t's  to  the  temple  all, 
Ther^  to  propitiate  the  angry  Gods, 
As  h,est  we  may,  with  prayer  and  sacrifice. 
[Rises,  descends  the  throne,  and  marches  down,  joined  by 
HIGH  PEIEST  and  TEUTILE. — The  rest  of  $h$ 
suite  form  procession,  two  and  two,  and  march 
out  (as  scene  closes)  to  solemn  music. 


SCENE  THIIVIX 


SCENE.— Night. — A  room  in  a  house  in  Chohida. — Table  spi'ead /or 
a  banquet. — Fruits,  (/olden  f/olkts,  vases,  pitchers,  &c. — ALVA- 
RADO  and  SANDOVAL  opposite,  each  other  ft  the  head  of  th? 
table. — LUGO  and  OLID  next,  facing  each  other. — Soldiers  on 
either  side  below  them,  all  seated  on  stools. — SANDOVAL  seems 
partially  intoxicated. —  Torches  burning. 

Alvarado.    Well,  gallant  cavaliers,  we  may  awhile 
Indulge  in  honest  mirth  and  revelry. 
Since  these  Chohulans  have  made  peace  with  us, 
And  granted  quarter  here  within  their  walls, 
To  all  save  our  brave  Tlasoalan  allies, 


48  CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

Whom  their  old  enmity  at  distance  keeps ; 
So,  let's  improve  the  time  ;  then  pledge  me  all — 
May  we,  thus  met  to-hight,  thus  meet  again, 
All  joyously,  "  to  revel  in  the  halls 
Of  the  Montezumas  /"* 

Sandoval.  Fill  bumpers,  all ! 

All.    Halls  of  the  Montezumas ! 

IT  hey  drink,  and  all  but  OLID  turn\their  goblets  down. 
Sandoval.  Why,  Olid ! 

How  now,  thou  slight'st  our  pledge,  drink,  man,  drink 

deep  ; 

Sit  not  thus  moody,  moping  o'er  thy  wine 
As  melancholy  as  a  moulting  owl ; 
Come,  I  drink  thy  health  !    [Pours  out^mnd  they  drink. 
Olid.  Aiid  I  drink  thine. 

Sandoval.     Lugo  !  lei's  have  a  sentiment  from  thee. 

Lugo.    I'm  not  much  given  to  sentiments,  then  know'st, 
But  I'll  give  one  that's  ever  uppermost 
In  all  our  thoughts, — Here'a  Wealth,  women  and  wine  ! 
AH.     Wealth,  women  and  wine  3  [all  drinJc. 

Sandoval.  Good  !  Lugo,  good  !  though  thou  dost  not  claim  to 
be  literare,  thy  toast  is  still  a  good  alliteration. 

'Tis  to  the  point.  Thy  three  W's  come  in  right  well,  but  damu 
the  wine;  I  like  this  aqua  ftrdiente  better.  (Pours  out.)  I  will 
reword  thy  toast  in  vulgar  vernacular,  but  keep  it  still  as  pointed 
to  the  point,  and  as  alliterate.  Now  for  it— Lucre,  lust  and  liquor  ! 

AIL    Ha!  ha!  ha! 
Alvarado.     Omit  your  last  two  items,  Cavaliers, 

The  first's  enough,  for  he  who  has  the  gold, 
Is  worse  than  lool  who  cannot  buy  the  rest. 
Beauty  can  l>e  be  light  e'en  though  we  pay 
The  princely  price  the  lair  Aspasia  won 
From  wealthy  Alci blades,  and  wine 
Is  marketable,  though  the  best  be  dear 
As  the  libation  Clcop;itra  puiir'd 
For  love  of  her  love-conquer'd  conqueror, 
Great  Antony. 
Sandoval.  Cease,  Alvarado,  cease, 

Leave  thy  old  musty  college  classic  lore, 
Give  us  a  song  ! 

All.  Ay,  ay,  a  song,  a  song ! 

Sandoval.     Sing  us  the  one  I  heard  thee  hum  last  niglit, 
That  of  thine  own  composing.     'T  will  just  suit 


CORTEZ,  THE    CONQUEROR.  49 

Time  and  occasion  now. 
Air.  ar ado.     Well,  well,  I'll  try — (sings — and  all  join  in  chorus. 

In  this  clime  so  lovely  beaming, 
In  this  land  with  riches  teeming, 
There  is  store  of  wealth  to  gain. 
And  a  niche  in  glory's  fane, 

For  tho  bold,  bold,  bold  ! 

In  the  gulches  of  its  mountains. 
In  the  sauds  beside  its  fountains, 
In  its  valleys,  and  it?  hills, 
In  its  rivers  and  its  rills, 

There  is  gold,  gold,  gold  ! 

Here,  there's  beauty  for  our  winning, 
And  no  penance  for  Love's  sinning, 
And  here  rosy  wine  to  flow, 
That  will  keep  our  hearts  a-glow, 

When  we're  old,  old.  old  ! 

[Ae  the  chorus  is  finished,  while  all  are  rajipinrj  and 
applauding  ivith  shouts,  "Hurra  I  JBraw  /"  &c., 
CORTEZ  enters  hastily  from  above,  with  drawn 
sword,  and  comes  front.     They  all  rise. 
Cortez.    Fie,  cavaliers !  let  this  vile  revel  cease, 

This  is  no  time  for  mad  debauchery. 

We've  been  inveigled  here  to  be  betrayed 

By  treachery  of  these  base  Chohulans. 

Marina  overheard  the  plotting  foe 

Who  even  now  encompass  us  about; 

The  streets  are  dug  with  pitfalls  for  our  horse, 

Each  house  is  now  a  castle  garrison'd, 

Arm'd  with  huge  stones  and  missiles  of  all  kind's 

To  hurl  down  on  our  heads — to  arms  !  to  arms  ! 

[Loud  alarms  without. 

The  works  begun,  rally  jour  forces  all, 

Keep  firm  your  posts,  nor  budge  a  single  inch, 

'Till  I  give  word.     Stay  not  a  moment  more, 

Away !  away  ! 

[Exeunt  ALVARADO  and  SAXDOVAL  P.  8.,  OLTD  and 
LUGO  0.  P.,  and  the  rest  severally. — Enter  MA- 
RINA, hastily. 

My  fair  deliverer. 

I  must  be  gone,  be  brief! 
Marina.  0  my  dear  Lord  ! 

From  a  sometime  fellow-slave  with  me, 

A  Chohulau  maiden,  I  have  just  learned 

7 

; 


50  COETEZ,  THE  OONQUEEOR. 

There  is  a  winding  dell  a  short  space  hence, 
That  leads  to  a  thick  forest,  where  embossed, 
A  ruined  temple  stands.     The  place  once  gained — 
And  the  road  there  but  poorly  guarded  is — 
You  can  hold  out  till  joined  by  your  allies, 
For  with  small  force  it  is  impregnable. 

Cortez.     My  guardian  angel  ever !  thanks,  still  thanks  ! 
I  must  bestow  thee  safely,  then  to  horse, 
These  traitors  to  chastise. 

Marina.  This  way,  my  lord. 

I  will  point  out  the  path. 

Cortez.  Let's  make  all  speed, 

For  now,  if  ever,  haste  stands  us  in  need. 


END  OF  ACT  III. 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  51 


ACT  IV.— SCENE  FIRST. 


SCENE. — Noonday. — The  Grand  Square  in  the  city  of  Mexico. — 
The  Palace  on  one  side. — The  Great  Temple  in  back  ground. — 
The  Lake  and  Mountains  in  the  distance. — Music. — MONTEZU- 
MA  enters  from  left  hand,  in  a  splendid  palanquin,  borne  by 
six  Mexicans,  and  ornamented  with  feathers  and  embroi- 
dered cloth  of  gold. — He  is  attended  by  the  HIGH  PRIEST  and 
TEUTILE,  his  daughter  NINNAH,  and  a  train  of  Nobles  bearing 
the  standard  and  other  insignia  of  Mexico. — The  palanquin 
is  set  down  in  centre. — CORTEZ  and  all  the  Spaniards  enter  at 
the  same  time  from  the  right  hand,  with  the  banners  and  ensigns 
of  Spain. — After  all  have  formed,  the  curtains  of  the  palan- 
quin are  withdrawn,  and  MONTEZUMA  steps  out  and  greets 
CORTEZ. 

Montezuma.     Great  stranger,  we  greet  thee  with  great  welcome 

To  thee,  thy  friends  and  followers. 
Cortez.  Dread  sire, 

In  name  of  the  high  potentate  I  serve, 
Thy  welcome  I  receive,  and  thus  embrace — 
[As  he  advances  with  arms  extended,  to  embrace  MON- 
TEZUMA, TEUTILE  interposes,  taking  hold  of  him. 
Teutile.    Hold !  Ma-la-che — lay  not  irreverent  hands 
Upon  his  sacred  majesty.     Oar  Gods 
Forhid  the  act  as  profanation  dire. 
Cortez.     Pardon  me  ;  I  only  meant  the  greeting 
By  which  my  countrymen  attest  their  love, 
And  show  their  veneration. 
Montezuma.     We  do  receive  thee  as  ambassador 

From  a  great  monarch  in  a  far  off  land, 

Who  seeks  our  friendship.     For  his  royal  sake, 

And  for  the  noble  bearing  of  thyself, 

Again  we  bid  thee  welcome.     We  have  heard 

Of  vvond'rous  actions  that  have  marked  thy  course, 

And  marv'lous  things  that  form  thy  retinue. 

Thy  advent  was  not  unexpected  here, 

For  it  was  long  foretold  us  by  our  Gods  j 

And  we  have  fitting  preparations  made 

To  entertain  thee  and  thy  followers, 

For  the  brief  time  thou  may'st  sojourn  with  us, 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

In  manner  Avorthy  of  thy  high  estate, 
As  our  accredited  and  hunor'd  guest, 
And  our  own  dignity  as  royal  host. 
So,  please  thee,  to  our  palace  let's  repair. 
Cortez.     Thanks  for  your  kingly  bounty,  august  sire  ! 
Humbly  we  will  attend  your  majesty. 

[MoNTEZUMA  is  reseated  in  the  palanquin,  and  COR- 
TES turns  to  ALVA.RADO,  aside. 

Coriez.     Now  have  we  reach'd  the  goal  of  all  our  hopes. 
Alvarado.     I  scarcely  can  repress  my  rising  joy* 

Cortez.     Be  calm.     He  thinks  our  stay  will  be  but  brief; 
Let  us  but  feel  our  footing  firm  and  sure, 
And  then  he  may  eject  us — if  he  can. 

[Procession  marches  out  to  Music,  as  scene  doses. 


SCENE  SECOND, 


SCENE. —NighL — A  Waited  Court. — .tinier  OLID  and  LUGO,  in  close 
conference. 

Olid.     'Twill  be  the  quickest  and  the  surest  way, 
And  set  us  free  at  once  from  all  misgivings. 
2,'Vgo.     I  like  not  this  dark  assassination  ; 

It  is  ignoble,  cowardly- — 
Olid.  Pshaw  !  pshaw ! 

Leave  that  to  me  alone,  my  gallant  friend  ; 
Twill  absolve  thee  from  all  sin  in  it ; 
From  all  compunctions,  and  all  dreamy  doubts. 
The  end,  dear  Lugo,  will  atone  the  means. 
I  will  stir  ii])  the  hatred  of  the  Moor 
To  do  the  deed  ;  and  when  the  deed  is  done, 
Why,  let  him  answer  it,  whilst  thou  and  1 
Are  free  from  taint  of  any  part  in  it : 
And  when  the  General's  obsequies  are  o'er, 
*\Ve  and  our  friends  can  well  control  the  rest. 
Lugo.     Well,  as  thou  wilt ;  but  still  J.  like  it  not. 
Olid.     Here  Hassan  comes  ;  prithee  away  I  away  ! 

And  keep  thy  counsel.    [Exit  LUGO,  and  enter  HASSAN. 

Good  eve,  good  Has.san  ! 
Hassan.     My  humble  service  to  thee,  noble  sir. 

[Makes  reverence. 


COBTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  53 

At  thy  behest  I  meet  thee  here  to-night.  >, 

Olid.     Thanks  for  thy  piomptness.     I  did  lately  hint 
How  thou  might'st  gain  at  once  thy  liberty, 
And  vengeance  on  thy  cruel  tyrart  lord  ; 
And  in  deep  grief  I  have  bethought  me  much 
Of  thy  sad  lot,  by  Cortez  so  abused. 

Hassan.     He  is  my  master,  and  his  slave  am  I. 

Olid.     Thy  master  ?     Yes.     But  why  thy  tyrant  too  ? 
I've  heard  him  call  thee  liar,  and  base  slave, 
And  saw  him  on  thy  person  strike  quick  blows, 
In  heavy  anger  with  his  flattened  sword  ; 
I  saw  the  fiery  gleamiugs  of  thine  eyes, 
Darting  defiance  from  their  shaggy  brows, 
Like  lightnings  flashing  from  black  clouds  of  storm  ; 
I  marked  the  hot  blood  light  thy  dusky  cheek, 
The  hard  upheavings  of  thy  stalwart  chest, 
The  nervous  biting  of  thy  nether  lip, 
And  the  convulsive  clenching  of  thy  hands, 
At  the  foul  insult.     Heavens  !  how  I  grieved, 
That  thou  of  noble,  ay,  of  royal  blood, 
Should'st  be  degraded  so. 

Hassan.  I'm  in  his  power, 

By  sad  reverse  of  war  ;  were  he  in  mine, 
Perchance  he  might  have  cause,  as  strong  and  gooJ, 
To  owe  me  hatred,  as  I  now  owe  him. 
Olid.     Methought  the  greatest  luxury  of  thy  race 

Was  vengeance  !    Hast  thou  no  huge-mouthed  wrongs, 

That  daily,  nightly,  loudly  call  for  it  ? 

Thou  wear'st  a  dagger.     Know'st  thou  not  its  use  ? 

Hassan.     Ay,  to  defend  mine  honor  and  my  life, 
Not  the  assassin's  felon  blow  to  strike. 
For  my  revenge,  to  heaven  I  look  up  ; 
Allah  is  great  and  just. 
Olid.  And  so  lie  i^ 

And  in  his  justice,  puts  within  thy  reach 

The  means  of  vengeance.     Thy  cursed  tyrant  sleeps, 

And  to  his  couch  thou  hast  a  free  access, 

One  blow — vengeance  and  liberty  are  thine. 

Wilt  strike  ? 

Hassan.  I  cannot  strike  a  sleeping  man. 

Olid.  Would'st  spare  the  adder,  for  that  it's  asleep, 
That  on  the  morrow  thou  may's  feel  its  fangs  ? 
Sleeping  or  waking,  at  confessional, 


54  CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

Or  kneeling,  praying  at  the  altar's  foot ; 

No  matter  where,  I'd  pause  not  at  the  deed, 

Were  I  so  damn'd  in  wrong  as  thou  has  been, 

And  with  all  ease  could  safely  do  the  act, 

As  now  thou  can'st,  had'st  thou  but  nerve  to  dare. 

Hassan.     I've  not  nerve  enough  to  be  a  villian, 
And  dare  not  do  the  deed,  e'en  if  I  dare. 
No  Spaniard  I,  nor  Christian  either, 

And  can  do  no  act  dishonorable 

Olid.     Dishonorable  !  never  name  it  so ; 
'Tis  no  dishonor  to  avenge  a  wrong. 
Man's  heritance  is  glorious  liberty  ! 
The  worst  of  felons  is  the  tyrant  thief 
Who  would  purloin  it,  or  who,  finding  it, 
Would  basely  keep  it  from  its  owner's  right. 
The  wrongs  revenged  upon  great  Caesar's  self, 
What  were  they  ?    Merely  common  slights  beatpwed, 
On  noble  Brutus,  Cassius,  and  the  rest ; 
But  here  thy  wrongs  are  of  the  deepest  hue  ; 
A  slave,  lowest  of  slaves,  thou  art  forbid 
The  common  usages  of  common  men, 
But  must  comport  thee  at  thy  tyrant's  will — 
Must  hold  his  stirrup  when  he  needs  would  mount, 
Must  groom  his  horse,  must  be  his  scavenger ; 
With  every  menial  office  meanly  charged — 
And  for  thy  guerdon,  curses,  taunts,  and  blows. 
Is  such  a  station  fitting  the  proud  son 
Of  a  puissant  race,  whose  ancestry, 
Claimed  kindred  with  the  brightest  lights  of  heaven  ? 

Hassan.     The  lives  of  men  are  swayed  by  Destiny ; 
I  brook  the  ills  that  I  perforce  must  bear. 
Albeit,  unmitigated. 
Olid.  4    0  Hassan! 

Think  of  the  former  glory  of  thy  race, 

The  royal  blood  that  flows  within  thy  veins, 

The  station,  honors,  that  were  lately  thine, 

And  the  abasement  of  thy  present  state, 

So  abject  now,  by  this  foul  tyrant  made. 

Think,  too,  of  the  most  hellish  cruelties 

He  wreaks  on  these  once  happy  Indian  tribes  ; 

Then  think,  one  blow  will  thee  and  all  avenge ! 

And  by  one  death  save  myriads  of  lives, 

And  make  thee  benefactor  to  mankind  ! 


COKTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  55 

Hassan.    Whv  not  strike  the  blow  thyself? 

Olid.  Good  Hassan ! 

He  is  both  of  my  country  and  my  creed, 
And  therefore  is  protected  from  my  hand  ; 
Besides,  the  act  in  me  were  treason  rank, 
Which  done  by  thee,  were  retribution  just, 
For  his  continuous  and  countless  wrongs. 

Hassan.     That  he  doth  wrong  me  deeply  is  most  true. 
I'll  ponder  well  the  things  that  thou  hast  said ; 
But,  noble  sir,  the  time  is  not  yet  ripe. 
Olid.     'Twill  ripen  early  ;  and  I  count  on  friends 
Sworn  strong  against  him,  and  who  will  insure 
Safety  to  thee,  rewards,  and  liberty  ! 
But  now  'tis  time  to  set  my  second  watch. 
Con  o'er  thy  wrongs,  and  keep  them  still  at  heart, 
That  thought  of  them  may  rouse  thy  sleeping  soul 
To  just  revenge.     When  thou  has  made  thy  mind, 
Eeport  to  me  its  course  determinate. 

Hassan.    Full  half  my  mind  is  now  already  made, 

And  soon  I  will  report  its  purpose,  all. 
Olid.     Good  night !  Good  Hassan.  [Exit. 

Hassan.  Noble  sir,  adieu  1 

[Looks  musingly  after  him. 

0  holy  Allah !  mark  these  Christian  men  ; 
Though  lust  of  power  and  greediness  of  gold, 
They've  crossed  the  raging  seas,  thousands  of  leagues, 
To  bathe  these  happy  people  in  their  blood — 

To  make  them  slaves,  uproot  their  innocence, 
And  plant  among  them  every  heinous  sin  ; 
And  all  these  deeds  they  do  in  Heaven's  name, 
And  ask  its  blessings  on  their  awful  crimes  ! 
Now,  they  would  plot  to  cut  each  other's  throats, 
And  fain  would  make  an  instrument  of  me. 
What  if  I  follow  out  this  Glid's  hint  ? 
I'll  have  another  master — nothing  more — 
Perhaps  a  worse  one,  or  a  fate  still  worse. 

1  will  awhile  seem  to  let  him  use  me, 

Till  I  have  learned  his  plans  and  names  of  friends  : 
Then  to  the  General  I'll  report  the  whole. 
If  I  must  be  a  slave,  I'll  prove,  at  least, 
Myself  a  faithful,  honest,  and  true  man.     [Exit. 


56  COBTEZ,  THE    CONQEBUOB. 


SCENE  THIRD. 


SCENE. —  Great  Square  in  the  cily  of  Mexico. — Temple  and  Imperial 
ljalace  in  back-ground. — Large  Idols,  representing  the  God  of 
Light  and  the  God  of  Air. — An  all»r,  with  fire  burning  upon 
it*  the  HIGH  PRIESTS  and  Attendants  about  the  altar. — 
A  large  sacrificial  stone  in  centre  of  stage,  on  which  are  two 
Mexican  Gladiators,  each  fastened  by  the  ankle  to  a  ring,  and 
each  armed  icith  a  Mexican  shield  and  sword. —  The  Spaniards 
arranged  on  one  side  of  the  stage  and  the  Mexicans  on  the 
other,  each  party  with  their  appropriate  arms,  banners,  and 
insignia. — MONTEZUMA  and  CORTEZ  in  front. 

Montezuma.     Behold,  Ma-Ia-che,  these  two  captives  here, 
Chieftains  and  leaders  of  two  hostile  bands, 
Who,  against  me,  their  lord  and  sov'reign, 
Basely  conjoin'd  in  a  vile  trait'rous  league, 
Refusing  lealtj  and  their  homage  due, 
And  on  my  loyal  subjects  waging  war. 
They  were  made  pria'ners  with  unholy  arms 
Uprais'd  against  my  dignity  and  rule  ; 
And  by  our  laws  are  doom'd  for  sacrifice, 
And  with  each  other  they  shall  now  contend  ; 
But  still  this  chance  in  mercy  we  vouchsafe 
To  him,  the  victor  in  this  desp'rate  light, 
We  freely  grant  both  life  and  liberty. 
The  vanquish'd  at  yon  altar  shall  be  made 
A  fitting  oil 'ring  to  our  outraged  gods. 
Cortez.    Melhiuk.s  this  custom  is  most  barbarous, 
Unworthy  of  thy  most  imperial  self, 
And  sinful  in  the  sight  of  the  true  God. 
Montezuma.     It  is  a  usage  ancient  with  our  race, 
And  by  our  deities  enjoined  on  us. 
Now  let  the  combat  be  at  once  begun. 

[Mtsis. — The  combatants  assail  each  other  furiously  t 
and  after  the  exchange  of  a  few  blows,  COBTJSZ 
commands  them  to  desist. 
Cot-fas.     Stop  this  unholy,  this  infernal  scene, 

Unbind  them  ! 
Montezuma.     Beware,  Ma-la-clio  !    anger  not  our  Gods 

With  blasphemy. 
Cur'f-,.  Down  with  their  stonv  Gods! 


COKTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROK.  57 

Seize  on  the  ^2,  Iwt  liarm  his  person  not. 

[CoETEZ  draw*  his  sword  and  he  and  the  other 
Spaniards  assail  the  Mexicans,  who  make  but 
slighf  resistance. — The  Gladiators  are  unloosed. 
MONTEZUMA  is  taken  prisoner ;  the  Idols  are 
overturned,  and  Jihe  curtain  fails  amid  loud 
alarums. 


END  OF  ACT  IY. 


58  COBTEZ,  THE   COXQEP.UOR. 


ACT  V.— SCENE  FIRST. 


SCENE. — Hall  of  a  Prison. —  On  the  side,  at  one  end,  the  door  of  a 
cell. — Sentinel  pacing  on  guard. — OLID  enters,  muffled  in  cloak. 
— Sentinel  presents  carbine. 

Sentinel.    Who  goes  there  ? 

Olid.     (Throwing  back  his  cloak.)      Good  comrade,  do'st 

r.ot  know  me. 
Sentinel.    Yes  ;  but  without  the  word  thou  canst  not  pass. 

Olid.     "  Castile  and  Arragon  ! " 
Sentinel.    All's  well ;  pass  on. 

Olid.  I  commend  thy  caution. 

Where's  thy  prisoner  ? 

Sentinel.     (Pointing  to  door.)     Knock  and  he'll  come  forth, 
Olid.     (Knocks  at  the  door  and  it  opens,  and  he  leads  forth 
MONTEZUMA  in  chains,  clad  in  plain  white  tunic, 
&c.)     (ToSentmal. 
We  would  be  private. 

Sentinel.  I  will  step  apart.  [Exit,  P.  S. 

Olid,  (Kneeling  to  Montezuma.)      Mighty  monarch !    my 

heart  is  rived  in  twain, 
At  these  vile  fetters  on  thy  royal  limbs, 
These  loathsome  walls  wherein  thou  art  immur'd  ; 

0  would  that  I  might  give  thee  liberty. 
Montezuma.     Rise  !  rise  !  this  is  no  palace  hall  of  state, 

No  place  for  homage  or  for  courtiership, 
No  ensigns  these  of  kingly  dignity. 

[Holds  up  his  chains, 

What  boon  crav'st  thou  of  royalty  in  chains  ? 
Olid.     (Rises.)     A  boon  most  precious,  dear  to  me  as  life, 
Yet  no  less  dear  to  thee,  and  granting  which, 
May  soon  restore  thy  sceptre  and  thy  sway. 
Montezuma.'    I  marvel  at  thy  speech.     Say  on,  say  on. 

Olid.     Great  king  !  thou  know'st  I  hold  a  station  high, 
Of  trust  and  houor,  with  my  countrymen. 
In  full  reliance  on  thy  majesty, 

1  would  to  thee  in  confidence  impart, 
A  secret  of  vast  import. 


COBTEZ,  THE  -CONQUEROR.  59 

Montczuma.  Speak  freely; 

I  pledge  my  royal  word  to  keep  thy  faith. 
Olid.     Know,  briefly,  sire,  I  head  a  trusty  force, 
In  numbers  adequate,  with  firm  resolve, 
The  proud  usurping  Cortez  to  depose 
From  power,  he  tyrannically  wields — 
Grinding  thy  paople  with  his  cruelties, 
Thy  august  person  loading  with  base  chains  \ 
Assuming  his  own  king's  authority, 
Heaping  dishonor  on  his  royalty, 
By  hellish  deeds  done  in  his  sacred  name — 
Thee,  'tis  our  purpose  to  restore  again, 
To  thy  imperial  dignity  and  ruler, 
If  thou  wilt  yield  thy  countenance  and  aid. 
Moniezuma.     How  can  I  aid  thee  with  these  shackles  on  ? 
Olid.     Give  me  some  sign  or  token,  by  which  mean* 
I  can,  with  confidence,  approach  thy  friends, 
Who  o'er  thy  loyal  subjects  hold  control. 
Moniezuma.     How  can  I  know  that  I  may  trust  thee 
Olid.  Sire ! 

My  present  action  guarantees  my  truth*. 
My  fortunes  and  my  life  are  all  at  risk, 
By  this,  my  errand  to  thy  majesty  ; 
Besides,  I  am  an  humble  suitor  too 
For  favor,  which,  if  kindly  granted  mej 
Will  give  thee  title  ever  to  command 
My  services  in  whatsoever  cause,. 
Montezuma.     What  favor  canst  thon  mean  ? 

Olid.  Most  royal  sir, 

Thou  hast  a  daughter,  lovely,  dutiful — 
The  peerless  Ninnah,  who  has  won  my  heart, 
(A  heretofore  unconquer'd  citadel,) 
•  To  yield  submissive  to  her  youthful  charms. 

0  give  her  me  to  wife,  and  I  will  prove 
Ever  thy  grateful  servant  and  her  own. 

Moniezuma.     What  doubts  my  bosom  may  have  held  before, 

1  cast  away,  and  I  will  trust  thee,  sir. 

Take  this  imperial  signet,  'tis  a  trust       [Gives  a  ring. 

Only  confided  in  emergency, 

And  only  then  to  on«  whose  love  and  truth 

We  can  rely  on.     Seek  Lord  Teutile,  • 

And  the  most  holy  High  Priest  of  the  State ; 

Show  it  to  them,  and  thy  intents  reveal, 


60  CORTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR. 

'T  will  be  thy  warrant  that  thou  com'st  from  me, 
Aud  they,  with  all  their  means,  will  give  thee  aid. 
See  Ninnah,  too,  and  with  her  press  thy  suit 
As  best  then  canst.     For  her  dear  father's  sake 
She'll  lend  a  willing  ear.     0  haste  !    0  haste  ! 
To  loose  these  bonds. 
Olid,  (Kneeling  and  kissing  his  hand.)     Thanks !    thanks  ! 

most  royal  sir, 

I  will  upon  my  mission  fly  at  once.  [Exit,  0.  P. 

Moniezuma.     May  the  Gods  speed  thee.     (Solus,)     0,  if  'tis  bnt 

true 

That  these  base  white  men  'gainst  each  other  plot  ;• 
Soon  with  each  other  they  will  be  at  war, 
And  my  true  subjects  will  have  way  to  act, 
And,  with  the  strongest  taking  part,  my  throne, 
From  which  so  rndely  I've  been  thrust  away, 
I  may  resume,  and  time  may  give  us  chance 
These  strangers  to  destroy  or  drive  from  hence. 

[Enter  ESTRADA,  P.  S. 

Estrada.     I  have  been  sent,  your  majesty,  for  thee; 
Moniezuma.     Who  sent  thee  ? 

Estrada.  His  excellency,  Cortez. 

Montezuma.  For  what  ? 

Estrada.    I  know  not.     I  was  but  sent  to  fetch  thee, 
And  wit1:!  thee  was  forbidden  to  converse, 
Except  as  strictest  duty  might  require. 

Monttzuma,  (Aside.)     0.  ye  Gods,  protect  me  !  It  is  too  plain 
From  this  man's  manner,  that  my  doom  is  fix'*!.- 
Alas  !  alas  !  I  go  to  meet  my  death  ; 
There  is  no  mercy  in  the  Spanish  heart. 
(Aloud.)     I  attend  thee. 
Estrada.  This  way,  your  majesty. 

[Exeunt  P.  S. 


SCENE  SECOND. 


SCENE. — MONTKZUMA'S  Garden. — Bowers   of  vines,  rich  foliage, 
Jiowers  in  vases,  &c..  &c. — A  Lake,  icith  mountains  in  back- 
"  ground,  and  a  rivulet  flowing  into  lake. — Enter  CORTEZ  at- 
tended by  HASSAN. — CORTEZ  holds  a  scroll,  to  irhich  he  refers 
occasionally  while  speaking. 


COBTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR.  61 

Corlez.     This  scroll,  thou  say'st,  contains  the  names  of  all 

Who  league  against  me  in  this  hellish  plot  ? 
Hassan.     Of    all,  your  excellency,  that  I  could  learn, 
In  frequent  cofereuences,  had  of  late, 
With  Don  Christoval  Olid. 

Cortes:.  By  my  faith  I 

It  is  a  longthy  list.     Here  are  some  names 
Of  mou  of  note  and  noble  ancestry, 
Whose  honorable  bearing  heretofore, 
Had  stamp'cL  thee  ever  a  vile  slanderer, 
They  seem'd  so  high  above  suspicion's  reach, 
But  now  the  facts  which  thou  hast  made  appear, 
And  circumstances  that  attest  those  facts, 
Make  certainty  too  sure. 
Hassan.  I've  told  but  truth. 

Cortez.     So  Olid,  as  thou  say'st,  hath  often  tried, 

To  win  thee  o'er,  me  to  assassinate  ? 
Hassctn.     He  hath,  most  noble  sir,  by  many  means : 
By  specious  arguments  adroitly  put, 
By  promises  of  safety,  rich  rewards, 
And  freedom 

Cortez.  Thou  layest  stress  on  freedom  ; 

Deem'st  thou  then  freedom  greatest  of  rewards  ? 
Hassan.    0  !  that  assured,  had  well  n/^-h  made  me  false 
To  thee,  myself,  and  holy  Allah  too. 

C&rtez.     It  may  be  had  more  easy  than  thou  think'st. 
Is  all  thou  knowest  of  their  secret  plans 
Related  here  ? 
Hassan.  All  is  set  down  my  lord. 

Cortez.     0  in  grates  base  !  worse  than  Iscariots  J 

Men  on  whose  heads  I  have  heaped  honors  high, 

Eiches,  and  places  of  the  greatest  trust, 

Who,  while  betraying  me  with  shows  of  love, 

With  disaffected  wretches  thus  combine, 

To  foully  murder  me  and  share  my  spoils. 

I  will  theri  scheme  of  villainy  out-scheme. 

On  aome  iubordinates  I'll  seize  at  first 

And  wring  confession  from  them,  next  the  chief 

I  will  attaint  of  treason,  and  the  reat-^ 

I  know  not  what — many  they  are,  and  strong. 

They'd  see  me  safely  stow'd  away  in  earth, 

And  then  this  mighty  empire  parcel  out. 

And  iny  authority  and  robes  of  place 


62  COKTEZ,  THE   CONQUEEOB. 

They'd  gamble  for,  like  the  vile  heretics 

Who  for  Christ's  clothes  cast  lots  on  Calvary. 

The  mantle  of  my  power  ne'er  shall  be. 

At  chance  for  traitors,  tricksters,  aud  their  tools. 

Hassan,  thy  warning  gives  me  time  to  thwart 

These  schemei  infernal,  and  elude  the  wiles, 

By  which  these  traitors  compass*  me  about. 

I  owe  thee  favor  for  thy  faithfulness, 

By  which  I'm  saved — how  can  I  thee  requite  ? 

Hassan.     My  soul  requites  me  for  my  duty  done. 
CorieZt,    Forgive,  0  Hassan  !  any  wrong  whate'er 
In  hasty  mood  I  may  have  done  to  thee  ; 
My  temper  quick,  oft  fiercely  flashes  forth, 
Like  gungowder  ignited  by  a  spark, 
But,  once  discharged,  it  bears  no  after-ill. 
Thy  magnanimity  I  must  repay  ! 
No  longer  art  thou  slave  to  any  one, 
Henceforth  be  free  !  and  0  !  be  still  my  friend. 

[Embraces  him. 

Hassan^    Thy  noble  gift  of  liberty  I  prize 

As  doubly  dear,  joined  with  thy  friendship  too. 
Cortez.    Well  dost  thou  merit  both.    I  now  must  speed 
This  Hydra-headed  treason  to  arrest, 
Ere  its  quick  growth  attain  a  monstrous  strength, 
That  might  defy  even  a  Hercules. 
We  will  anon  confer  on  thy  affairs. 
Still  for  a  short  time  seem  to  be  my  slave. 
Farewell,  my  friend.  [Exit,  0.  P. 

Hassan.  My  gen'rous  lord,  farewell  !* 

(Bolus,  exuliingly.}     Once  more  I'm  free  I    my  hands 

unstained  with  blood  1 
My  soul's  unsoiled ;  I'm  free !  I  live  anew. 
My  being's  changed.     The  very  air  seems  changed — 
"it  greets  my  nostrils  with  a  purer  breath  ; 
The  sky  looks  brighter  and  the  earth  more  fair, 
.  The  lake  appears  deep-blushing  to  the  sun, 
Like  a  meek  maiden  at  a  rake's  rude  gaze ; 
The  mountain  stream  a  laughing  wanton  seems/ 
In  am'rous  sporting  with  her  bushv  banks. 
Valley  and  hill  in  gayest  guise  look  clad, 
As  if  to  join  a  general  holiday. 
Flowers  a  richer  perfume  seem  to  yield, 
And  birds  to'carol  more  melodiously, 


CORTEZ,  THE    CONQUEROR.  63 

All  things  appear  more  gladsome  than  their  wont, 
All  nature  seems  to  wear  her  sweetest  smiles, 
And  all  the  world  looks  happy,  joyous,  free  ! 
0  !  holy  liberty— all  hail  I  all  hail !  [Exit,  0.  P. 

[Enter  NINNAH  and  OLID,  in  conversation,  P.  S. 
Ninnah.     I've  heard  the  women  of  thy  home  are  fair, 
And  skilled  in  rare  accomplishments  and  arts. 
Methinks  on  one  of  them  thy  choice  should  fall. 
Rather  than  on  a  simple  stranger  maid, 
How  could  untatored  Ninnah  e'er  expect 
To  soothe  thee  with  those  songs  of  melody 
In  which  the  ladies  of  thy  land  delight  ? 
Olid.     0 !  gentle  Ninnah,  rich  as  is  my  land, 
In  lovely  women,  yet  are  none  like  thee — 
So  rich  in  maiden  graces  and  in  heart ; 
None  who  could  ever  charm  me  as  thou  hast. 
Their  arts  and  blandishments  could  never  move 
Like  thy  meek  innocence,  and  all  their  songs 
Could  never  with  such  rapture  fill  my  scul 
As  the  soft  melody  of  thy  sweet  voice. 
Thou  hast  thy  father's  sanction  and  his  wish  ; 

0  !  be  my  bride,  and  I  will  be  thy  slave. 
Ninnah.    My  father's  wish  is  ever  Ninnah's  law ; 

But  tell  me,  sir,  can  nought  but  my  poor  hand 
Purchase  thy  service  for  any  prisoned  bire  ? 
Olid.     0  !  Princely  lady,  deem  me  not  so  mean, 
To  set  a  price  on  thy  most  precious  self. 
But  all  my  aid,  for  love  I  give  thy  father, 
And  from  thy  grateful  love  I  hope  return. 
Ninndh.     A  young  coy  maiden  is  not  won  at  once. 
Let  me  consult  the  priestess  of  our  house. 
And,  noble  stranger,  meanwhile  feed  on  hope — 
They  say  it  is  true  lovers'  choicest  food. 

1  must  within,  so  fare  thee  well. 

Olid,  (bowing  and  kissing  her  hand,  which  she  extends.}  Fare- 
well. [Fstit  NINNAH. 
0  yes  !  my  simple  one,  I'll  feed  on  hope, 
But  prouder  hope  than  merely  hope  of  thee. 

P.  S. 


COKTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 
SCENE  THIRD. 


SCENE. —  Throne-room  in  MONTEZUMA'S  Palace. — CORTEZ  on 
the  throne. — All  the  Spaniards  (except  OLID  and  LUGO)  ar- 
ranged [on  the  right  of  them. — The  Mexicans  (except  MONTE- 
ZCMA)  071  the  left. 

Cortez.     Where  is  the  prisoner  for  whom  I  sent  ? 
Alvarado.    He  waits  your  pleasure  in  the  ante-room, 

In  old  Estrada's  custody. 
Corttz.  Good  sir, 

Be  pleased  to  have  him  hither  shown  at  once. 

[ALVARADO  bows,  and  exit. 
My  friends,rit  now  behoves  us  much  to  act 
With  utmost  circumspection  and  good  faith, 
Towards  each  other,  and  to  our  allies ; 
But  most  of  all  towards  the  Mexicans, 
That  we  may  win  their  confidence  and  love, 

{Enitr  MONTEZUMA,  guarded  by  ESTRADA,  and  at- 
tended by  ALVARADO. — He  starts  at  seeing  COR- 
TEZ on  the  throne. 
How  fares  Montezuma  ? 
Montezuma.  0 !  Ma-la-che, 

Swift  as  sweet  streams  that  to  Tuscuco  flow, 
Mine  eyes  teem  bitter  tears  that  cannot  ebb — 
I  weep  my  country's  wrongs. 

Cortfz.  Weep  for  thy  crimes ! 

It  is  profanity  to  name  as  wrongs, 
The  retributions  and  just  punishment, 
Decreed  by  Heaven  for  thy  many  sins. 
As  was  foretold  by  Nature's  plainest  signs, 
And  by  their  prophecies  and  omens  dire, 
Revealed  thee  by  thy  Gods,  in  all  else  false, 
But  true  in  their  predictions  of  thy  fate. 
Montexuma.    Alas !  alas !  that  to  me  and  my  house 
The  dreaded  visitation  should  befall ! 
Methoughi  the  sad  accomplishment  might  be 
Delayed  for  generations  yet  to  come. 
Cortez.     I,  the  instrument  of  its  fulfilment, 

By  Heaven's  will  shall  rigid  justice  smooth 
And  temper  with  sweet  mercy  as  I  may. 
Montezuma.     Thou  !  the  Spanish  chief,  speakest  of  mercy  ! 
Thou  dost  but  speak  it. 


CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEKOB.  65 

Cortez.  I  will  act  it,  too. 

Take  off  his  chains. 

[ESTRADA  removes  the  chains  from  MONTEZUMA,  and 
CURTEZ  descends  the  throne,  and  leads  MONTE- 
ZUMA by  the  hand  to  the  seat,  and  then  descends 
backwards. 

Thou  art  at  liberty  I 
Resume  again  thy  sovereignty  and  stale, 
Receive  our  humble  homage.     Let  us  bo 
Thy  faithful  subjects,  servitors  and  friends. 

[CORTEZ  and  the  Spaniards  all  kneel  on  one  Jcnce, 
The  Mexicans  bow  low  their  head*  with  their 
open  hands  raised  near  their  ears. — All  repeat 
after  CORTEZ: 

Hail !  all  hail !  imperial  Montezuma. 
Montezuma.     Ye  surely  cannot  mean  to  mock  me  thus. 

I  am  amazed  1  . 

Cortez.  All  is  reality. 

Lose  not  thyself  in  wonder.     'Tis  a  ride 

Of  Christian  faith  ('tis  Christian  practice,  too,) 

To  forgive  our  enemies.     August  sire, 

I  meekly  crave  that  thou  wilt  lightly  judge 

My  most  unwilling  trespasses  on  thee. 

I  serve  a  power  greater  than  myself.      AVTv?!.  > JHIgfrl 

And  bnt  obey  while  seeming  tp  command. . 
Pardon  me. 
Montezuma.  Pardon  thco — 0 !  Ma-la-che, 

Henceforth  as  brothers,  twins,  be  thou  and  I. 

[Js  he  speaks,  he  descends  the  throne  and  embraces 

CORTEZ. 
Cortez.    So  may  we  ever  be.    My  royal  liege 

Thy  subjects  congregate  around  the  walls, 
All  eager  their  lov'd  monarch  to  salute. 
I  pray  thee  don  thy  royal  robes  again  ; 
And  graciously  receive  and  speak  to  them. 
Montezuma.  I  will. 

[Exit  L.  H.,  attended  by  Mexicans  in  order. — The 
Spaniards  exeunt  B.  H.  in  fie,  except  CORTEZ 
and  ALVARADO,  who  as  the  rest  go  off  move 
down  front. 

Mvarado.    Your  excellency,  what  means  th.;s, 
I'm  not  less  amaz'd  than  Montezuma, 
I  never  dream'd  the  game  you  meant  to  play. 
Cortez.     It  is  an  old  histr'onic  game,  good  friend, 

Soldier-craft  versus  king-craft,  nothing  more. 
9 


6  CORTEZ,  THE   CONQUEROR. 

I've  taught  a  lesson  to  his  vanity, 
And  shown  example  of  my  powers  too ; 
Both  will  well  serve  us.     We  must  yet  awhile 
Amuse  him  with  the  empty  show  of  state, 
Appearing  still  submissive  to  his  will, 
And  while  we  help  his  pageantry  and  pomp, 
He,  like  a  puppet,  shall  enact  such  part 
A§  suits  us  showmen  to  display  him  in. 

Mvartdo.     I'  faith,  I  like  thy  policy  full  well. 

He'll  be  the  shadow  and  the  substance  thou. 
"  The  power  behind  the  throne" — thou  know'st  the  saw. 
Cortes.     "  Is  sometimes  greater  than  the  throne  itself." 
Mighty  empires  are  often  govern'd  so. 
Come  let  us  forth  to  see  the  clam'rous  crowd, 
Receive  their  un-king'd  king,  re-king'd  anew. 

Jfa&rado.    1  attend  thee.  [Exeunt  0.  P. 


.,  •  i  i,.  ,.y;y 

SCENE  FOURTH. 


A  Street  in  the  city  of  Mexico.— Enter  OLID,  0.  P.,  and 
LUGO,  P.  S.,  meeting. 

Olid.    Well  met.  Lugo,  I  was  in  quest  of  thee. 
Lugo.    And  I  of  thee. 
Olid.  Why,  hast  thou  any  news  ? 

Lugo.     Cortez  has  ilontezuma  re-enthron'd 

And  paid  him  homage.    Even  now  the  king 
Ascends  the  outer  palace  wall,  'neath  which 
His  people  gather  in  vast  multitudes 
To  greet  him  in  his  royalty  restored. 
Olid.    0  hellish  news  !  what  can  this  Cortez  mean  ? 
'Twas  but  awhile  ago  I  left  the  king 
Chain'd  and  in  prison,  sunk  in  deep  despair, 
Yet  to  my  overtures  he  gave  good  ear, 
And  my  requests  all  granted,  and  behold  ? 
I  wear  his  power  with  his  signet  here. 
Lugo.    Alas  !  I  fear  me  it  is  gained  too  late. 
Olid.    We  must  not  think  so.     It  is  time  to  act. 
Cortez  no  doubt  has  some  deep  scheme  in  view 
That  bodes  us  evil.     We  must  frustrate  it. 


COBTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR.  67 

If  he  with  Montezuma  doth  conjoin, 
They  may  united  work  us  greatest  harm. 
On  vaccilating  Hassan  I'll  prevail 
To  quickly  do  the  deed,  else  all  is  lost. 
I  pray  thee  see  our  irientls,  and  bid  them  all 
Meet  forthwith  at  my  quarters  to  consult. 
Lugo.    I  will  about  it  instantly.  [Exit  0.  f. 

Olid.  Make  speed. 

(Solus.)    The  crisis  of  my  life  approaches  now. 

This  Cortez  I'll  supplant  or  perish  else, 

And  he  shall  perish  or  I'll  lose  my  aim. 

I've  pass'd  tho  Rubicon  'twixt  fate  and  me  ; 

I  will  le  either  regal  -here  or  nought;, 

If  I  should  fail — I'd  meet  a  traitor's  doom  : 

But  I'll  not  think  it,  'tis  a  coward  thought. 

If  I  should  win — stiil  they'll  term  me  traitor ; 

0  loathsome  word  to  couple  with  one's  name. 

Well  let  them  call  me  traitor  if  they  will, 

E'en  that  name,  success  will  gild  with  glory ; 

For  fame,  however  won,  will  still  be  fame. 

The  name  of  Cataline  immortal  lives, 

In  the  same  annals  that  of  Cato  tell, 

And  since  the  waves  of  ages  havo  rolled  by, 

Who  can  identify  the  man  and  name 

One  with  the  other  ?  why,  what  boots  it  then 

If  fame  be  won  by  evil  or  by  good  ? 

Better  is  immortality  of  ill, 

Than  the  cold  void  of  dark  oblivion. 

Methinks  that  it  were  nobler  far  to  die 

With  the  just  maledictions  of  mankind, 

Through  countless  ages  heap'd  upon  my  Dame, 

Than  sink  to  death  as  vulgar  mortals  do, 

With  canting  churchmen  and  sad-seeming  friends, 

Hymning  dull  dirges  o'er  my  rotting  bones  ; 

And  have  my  mem'ry  no  longer  lire, 

When  those  who  knew  me  shall  hare  left  the  world, 

0  I  could  die  incarnadin'd  in  crime, 

Nor  deem  my  fame  one  single  jot  the  worse, 

Though  damn'd.  so  'twere  immortally  accurs'd. 

[Exit  P.  Si 


COKTEZj  THE   CONQUEROK. 
SCENE  FIFTH. 


SCENE. — The  outer  wall  of  MONTEZUMA'S  Pallace. — MOXTEZUMA 
ascends  the  parapet  in  robes  of  st  de,  attended  by  TEUTILE, 
HIGH  PRIEST,  KINNAH.  and  a  retinue  of  Nobles,  with  banners 
A  and  arms  of  Mexico  displayed. — The  (Spaniards  (except  OLID) 
arrange  themselves  in  upper  angle,  ivilh  banners  of  Spain. — A 
large  concourse  o/"  Mexicans  at  foot  oj  the  ivall,  who  greet  MON- 
TEZUMA'S  appearance  ivith  shouts  of  "Hail !  all  hail  !  imperi- 
al Montezuma." 

Montezuma.     Most  loving  nobles,  faithful  subjects,  friends ! 
The  heart  of  Montezuma  is  made  glad. 
We  to  our  wonted  pdwer  are  restored, 
And  on  the, morrow  will  resume  our  court, 
And  greet  the  rev'rend  priesthood  of  our  Gods, 
And  hold  grand  council  with  the  chiefs  of  state. 
We  have  in  holy  brotherhood  embraced 
The  good  and  powerful  chief  Ma-la-che, 
Who,  with  his  band  of  brave  white  warriors, 
Will  henceforth  be  our  firm  and  true  allies, 
And  equal  sharers. 

\_Tamult  here  occurs  among  the  Mexicans,  and  cries 
of  "Shame  !  shame  !3'  and  a  flight  of  arrows  is 
discharged  at  MONTEZUMA,  and  he  falls  back 
into  the  arms  of  TEUTILE  and  HIGH  PKIEST, 
and  dies. 

Priest.  The  Gods  protect  us  ! 

Teutile.     How  is  it  with  your  sacred  majesty  ? 

Ah  me  !  he's  dead. 

Coriez.  The  king— the  king  is  slain  ? 

Charge  !  charge !  ye  Spaniards  on  the  regicides  ! 
{Draws  Jiis  sword,  and  assails  the  nearest  Mexican, 
who  receives  the  blow  on  his  shield. — The  Span- 
iards discharge  their  carbines,  and  rush  upon  the 
Mexicans,  who  are  driven  off,  as  the  scene  closes. 

jbliow  *r ,  o 

SCENE  SIXTH. 

• 

SCENE. — Short  Street  in  Mexico. — Enter  OLID  and  LUGO. 

Lugo.     I've  seen  thy  friends,  and  they  will  join  us  all. 
After  the  duties  of  the  day  are  done. 


CORTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR  69 

The  king's  demise  may  greatlv  change  our  plans. 

But  tell  me,  Olid,  why  is  this  command 

By  Cortez  given  tint  we  all  should  meet 

In  the  great  square  to-day  ?    I  fear  me  much 

It  hath  some  bearing  upon  us. 
Olid.  Not  so ; 

For  Cortez  doth  not  in  the  least  suspect. 

"Why  he  hath  named  me  on  a  special  watch, 

Near  to  himself  to-night.     Hassan,  besides, 

Hath  given  me  assurance  positive, 

Couch'd  in  figurative  Moorish  style, 

That  e'er  the  dawn  botk  y«u  and  I  may  rest, 

As  if  Azrael  fann'd  us  with  his  wings, 

And  he  could  swear  that  Cortez  would  not  liv» 

To  entertain  the  slightest  doubt  of  us. 

The  death  of  Montezuma  must  have  made 

Great  changes  necessary  in  the  State  ; 

And  were  conven'd  to  hear  them  now  proclaim'd* 

Nothing  more,  believe  me. 
Lugo.  It  may  be  so, 

And  so  I  trust  it  is  ;  but  much  I  dread 

Some  awful  evil,  and  my  mind  is  filled 

With  dark  forebodings. 
Olid.  Banish,  banish  them ! 

Lugo.    Would  that  I  could — but  now  "'tis  ample  time 

To  join  our  comrades. 
Olid.  Let  us  start  at  once. 

Be  stout  of  heart  for  all  goes  bravely  on. 

[Exeunt  together,  0.  P. 


SCENE  SEVENTH. 


SCENE. — The  Great  Square  in  the  city  of  Mexico. — Temple  and  Im- 
perial Palace  in  the  back-ground. — Sacrifcal  stone  in  the  cen- 
tre.— All  the  Spaniards  (except  COBTEZ)  enter  and  arrange  in 
order  on  the  right  of  the  stage,  with  OLMEDO,  ALVAEADO,  SAN- 
DO  VAL,  LUGO  and  OLID  in  front  of  them,  ANTONIO  and  MARIA 
on  the  left  of  OLID,  and  MARINA  on  her  left,  and  HASSAN  just 
behind  MARINA. — The  Mexicans  all  enter  at  the  same  time,  and 
jorm  on  the  left  of  the  stage,  TEUTILE  and  the  HIGH  PRIEST  in 
front,  and  NINNAH  on  the  right  of  the  Priest.  Each  party  ha9 


70  COBTBZ,  THB  C02TQUEBOR. 

Us  peculiar  arms,  banners,  &c.    Music  played  from  the  com- 
mencement  of  the  scene  until  the  parties  have  formed. 

Alvarado,  (Aside  to  Sandoval.)     Prithee,  can'st  tell  mo  why  is 

this  parade. 

Sandoval.    I  do  not  know,  and  am  surprised  at  it. 
I  marked  the  order  was  peremptory, 
And  given  too,  more  sternly  than  is  wont. 
What  do'st  thou  think  ? 
Mvarado.  I  cannot  guesg  the  cause. 

Cortez,  of  late,  hath  grown  reserv'd  and  cold ; 
I've  notic'd  him  exceeding  ill  at  ease, 
As  if  great  grief  were  heavy  at  his  heart ; 
The  emp'ror's  death  doubtless  affects  his  schemes, 
But  something  weightier,  than  merely  that 
Must  press  him  now.    But  soon  we'll  truly  know 
What  all  this  means ;  for,  look  ye,  where  he  comes 
Frowning  as  night. 

[Enter  CORT«Z,  0.  P.,  with  sotemn  step. — He,  advan- 
ces a  few  paces  and  surveys  the  assemblage,  be- 
fore speaking. 

Cortex.  Captaius  and  cavaliers  I 

And  ye,  our  new-made  friends  of  Mexico, 
We  all  most  deeply  our  great  loss  deplore, 
In  Montezuma,  suddenly  cut  off, 
Just  in  the  very  germing  of  our  hopes, 
When  by  fraternal  union  with  king  Charles, 
The  two  great  empires  of  the  world  combin'd, 
Might  all  the  rest  keep  in  submissive  awe. 
Brave  Mexicans !  ye  saw  your  late  good  king 
Descend  his  august  throne  and  me  embrace 
By  the  dear  name  of  brother,  such  to  him 
I  would  have  prov'd,  in  faith,  and  truth,  and  love. 
His  corse  imperial,  with  solemn  pomp, 
And  all  befitting  rites  and  obsequies, 
Pertaining  to  his  rank  illustrious 
And  his  immortal  name,  shall  be  enshrined 
In  sepulchre  with  his  great  ancestors : 
And  Montezuma's  legal  heritor 
Shall  with  due  pomp  in  proper  time  be  crown'd. 
Castilians !  countryman  !  it  still  hath  been 
Ever  my  foremost  wish,  my  dearest  pride, 
Next  to  my  loyal  duty  to  our  king, 
Your  int'rests  and  your  glory  to  promote. 


COBTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR.  71 

And  beyond  measure  I  am  pain'd  to  know 
That  disaffection  lurks  within  your  ranks, 
And  treason  now  corrodes  the  hearts  of  some, 
Who  by  assassination  seek  my  life. 

{He  suddenly  ascends  the  sacrificial  stone. 
Come,  all  ye  disaffected  ingrates  come  ! 
Here,  on  this  bloody  stone  of  sacrifice — 
A  fitting  stage  for  your  dread  drama— here 
Immolate  me,  your  chief;  a  victim  meet 
For  offering  to  your  infernal  gods 
Of  envy,  avarice,  and  ambition  1 
Worse  than  the  deities  we  here  deposed. 
Come !  in  my  willing  bosom  sheathe  your  swords. 
Mvarado.    We  have  no  traitors  here — none  I 
Lugo,  Sandoval,  and  Olid,  (Altogether,}    None  I  none !  none ! 
Cortez.    Ye  have !  ye  have !  Here  is  the  damning  list, 

[Produce*  a  paper. 

With  ev'ry  name  set  down,  and  duly  prov'd 
By  proofs  undoubted,  irrefragible : 
But  I'll  not  read  it,  let  the  names  be  lost, 

[Tears  ihe  paper. 

And  I'll  forget  them  all,  save  only  one. 
I  do  accuse  thee,  Christoval  de  Olid, 
Of  high  treason — 
Olid.     (Advancing  a  pace  or  two.)    Tht  charge  is  basely 

false, 

Ay,  as  false  ts  the  foul  heart  that  forg'd  it. 
Cortex.    Thou  hast  conspir'd  against  thy  iov'reign's  rule, 
And  'gainst  »y  life — hii  representative. 
I  hare  the  evidence — seize  him  soldiers ! 

[ESTRADA  and  others  spring  towards  OLID,  who 
draws  his  sword,  and  moving  front,  exclaims — 
Olid.    0  coward  1  bid  thy  myrmidons  rush  on 
To  a  brave  act  thou  never  dar'st  attempt. 
Cortez.    Back,  to  your  places  !  I'll  alone  at  him. 

[Draws  his  sword  and  springs  from  the  stone. 
Vile  traitor,  I  defy  thee — here's  my  shield, 
Strong  as  the  segis  that  Minerva  bore — 
The  gift  of  mighty  Jupiter — my  sword 
Sharp  as  the  scimitar  of  Saladin, 
In  thy  foul  breast  I'll  find  a  sheath  for  it. 
Olid.    As  for  my  shield  I  reck  not  of  its  use, 

[Throws  it  away t 


72  COBTEZ,  THE  CONQUEEOB. 

My  blade  is  of  the  true  Toledo  make  ; 
If  that  its  edge  be  not  so  keen  as  thine, 
I'll  whet  it  on  thy  stony  heart,  base  dog  I 

[As  they  cross  swords  MARIA  rushes  down  and  in- 
terposes her  shield  between  them. 
Maria.    Hold,  madmen,  hold  I  ye  know  not  what  ye  do  I 

0  Christoval !  Cortez  !  ye  know  me  not* 

1  am  Amma  de  Olid,  0  Cortez ! 

That  same  Amma,  whom  from  Salamanca, 
From  a  convent's  Wly  walls,  years  ago, 
Thou  did'st  seduce ;  and  left  me  with  my  babe 
To  want  and  woe.     I  fled  in  rude  disguise 
And  married  with  an  honest  common  man, 
But  a  brave  soldier,  and  we  rear'd  thy  boy. 
Time  and  deep  sorrow  wrought  such  change  in  me, 
That  all  unknown  I've  followed  in  these  wars, 
Scarce  knowing  why,  unless  that  I  might  be 
Near  to  my  brother  and  my  darling  child. 
Behold,  0  Cortez  !   in  thy  page,  thy  son. 
Antonio,  (Starts  a  step  forward  with  clasped  hands.) 

My  father !  0  my  father  I 
Maria,  (To  Olid.)    My  brother.    Christoval  I  brother  I 

I  am  thy  sister. 

Olid.    Woman,  away  I    Thou  dost  profane  that  name. 
Cortez,    No  more  !  take  hence  this  prating,  frantic  wretch. 
[ESTRADA  and  another  seize  MARIA,  who  struggles 

with  them  as  they  bear  her  back. 
Olid.    Now  is  mine  arm  nerv'd  stronger  than  before. 

Come  on,  thou  villain  I 
Cortez.  Have  at  tliee,  traitor  ! 

[They  fight. — CORTEZ  stabs  OLID,  who  falls  exclaim- 
ing— 
Olid.    I  set  life,  glory,  all  upon  a  cast, 

And  all  are  lost. 
Cortez.  Well  hast  thou  met  thy  fate. 

[MARIA  breaks  from  the  soldiers,  shrieks,  and  rushes 

down  to  OLID,  and  kneels  at  his  head. 
Maria.    Speak !  0  dear  brother !    Speak !  0  speak  to  me  I 
Say  you  forgive  ;  in  mercy,  0  forgive ! 
[OLID  slightly  raises,  and  stretches  out  his  hand, 
which  she  clasps. — He  fatts  ba^k  and  dies. — 
Enter  two  Messengers,  0.  P. 

1st  Messenger.    Don  Fernando  Cortez,  we  have  made  speed 
Hither  from  Spain,  bearing  the  kings  command 


o  r 


7$  GOKTEZ,  THE  CONQUEROR. 

For  thy  recall,  and  early  as  may  be, 
Appearance  at  his  court. 

Cbrfe*.     What  may  this  mean  ?  (In  great  surprise. 

1st  Messenger.    Thou  art  charg'd  with  many  grave  offenses— - 
With  usurpation  of  authority, 
And  divers  other  serious  misdeeds: 
All  which  are  natn'd  in  the  king's  warrant  here, 
Signed  by  imperial  Charles  with  his  own  hand. 
{Hands  paper  to  COBTEZ,  who  opens  and  examine*  it 

closely. 
<G*rt&.    The  king's  own  autograph :  I  know  it  well. 

0  Charles !  0  Charles !  I  mapp'd  this  world  anew, 
And  for  thy  portion  mark'd  upon  the  chart, 
Countries  so  vast  aud  empires  so  outspread  ; 

So  rich  in  clime,  and  fruits,  and  gems,  and  gold, 

Compar'd  to  them  thy  lineal  heritance, 

Is  as  a  patch  unseemly  on  thy  robe. 

And  for  such  gifts  thou  giv'st  me  disgrace. 

1  might  have  rul'd  here  with  imperial  sway, 
My  heirs  succeeding  through  succeeding  time, 
And  now  my  power  is  a  pageant  past. 

0  sage  most  wise  of  old  !  most  wise  thy  say 
"  Put  not  thy  trust  in  princes."    0  fool  1  fool  I 
Mine  enemies  have  triumphed  with  the  king, 
And  state  and  rev'rence  now  are  lost  to  me — 
Yet  shall  the  name  of  the  Great  Conqueror, 
Foraaado  Qjrfcez,  be  rever'd  ofai3n, 
And  live  as  long  as  last  the  lands  he  won. 
Bless  thee,  my  boy  ! 

[/£  extends  his  hand  io  ANTONIO,  who  seises  it, 
jcneds,  and  kisses  it,  and  remains  kneeling  until 
curtain  /aZk.— CORTEZ  turns  and  looks  to  MA- 
KINA,  who  rushes  forward  and  throws  herself 
into  his  arms. — They  embrace  in  silence. 
Hassan,  attend  me,  friend. 
Farewell  to  all     'Tis  late— lead  on — lead  on. 

HASSAN  bows  as  CORTEZ  addresses  him — MA- 
RINA remains  with  her  hands  clasped  over 
her  forehead,  looking  (upwards)  after  him, 
ay  he  goes  out  preceded  by  Messengers,  and  at- 
tended by  HASSAN.— Curtain  fatta  to  slow  music. 


END  OF  ACT  V. 
10 


NOTES  TO  CORTEZ,  THE 


ACT  I. — SCENE  2. 

Nor  the  wise  heathen's1  teachings  of  sad  doubt. 
JPlato. 

ACT  1II.-SCENE2. 

These  u-arrnrs  slravge  we  dad  in  snlstaiice  lard, — 8 
2Tbe  Mexicans  were  unacquainted  with  iron  or  steel.     There  were  no 
horses  en  this  continent  until  the  Spaniards  introduced  them. 

ACT  III.— SCENE  4. 
To  revel  in  the  halls 
Of  the  Montezumas  /» 

*This  toast  of  Alvarado  is  an  anachronism.  The  words  were  uttered 
on  a  memorable  occasion,  by  the  hero  of  San  Jacinto,  Gen.  SAM  HOUS- 
TON, through  whom  a  "bright  particular  star"  was  added  to  the  glori- 
ous galaxy  of  our  Union,  and  who,  in  a  spirit  of  prophesy,  foretold  and 
pointed  the  path  of  our  countrymen  to  "  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumai."* 


The  motto  on  the  Spanish  flag  was,  "  Let  ua  follow  the  true  cross,  for 
in  this  sign  we  shall  conquer." 


The  dresses  are  described  in  Clavigero,  Prescott  and  Benna  1  Dim. 
Alvarado  describes  them  also  in  a  speech  to  Sandoval. 


R.  H.  means  right  hand— L.  n.  left  hand— P.  S.  prompt  side— 0.  P. 
opposite  prompt— C.  centre. 


*Siuce  the  alove  was  in  type,  1  inquired  ot  GIB.  Houston  on  what  occasion  it  waa  that  be 
Uttered  the  above  words,  he  t-aid  1  uiipbi  indeed  My  it  wm  a  nun.orable  creation)  "(or  thty 
were  first  utttied  by  l.im  at  a  Lctcl  in  \VaM)iugtoii,  tome  jtars  ago, » lien  him.-elt  and  the  great 
Booth  were  on  a  Iroiic  together.  Booth  wai  scouting  Shaksptre.  and  L«  wa».n.akiDg  a  speech 
to  an  iaaginary  army.  ACXUOB. 


This  play  "was  set  tip  from  the  origiral  MS.  and  torre  errors  hare  craroidably 
occurred,  /-mong  the  greater  are  the  following.  In  Tcutile's  dceci  iption  of 
the  Spaniards,  a  line  is  omitted  ;  it  should  read— 

They  kill  the  tiny  sparrow  on  the  wing, 
And  the;/  can  bring  ihe  mountain  condor  down, 
Ev'n  when  his  flight  is  highest,  &c. 

On  the  63d  page  the  ninth  and  tenth  lines  from  the  bottom  should  read — 
All  my  aid  for  love  I  give  thy  father; 
And  all  my  hope  is  grateful  love  from  thec. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENT. — To  Col.  ALBEP.T  PIKE,  the  popular  poet  of  Arkinsas,  I  am 
indebted  for  many  suggestions  and  correct  ions  which  bis  hiph  roc-tic  tiu-tetrd  crit 
cal  judgment  discovered  and  made.  I  am  also  indebted  to  Liiu  for  kindly  aiair.^  in 
the  publication.  AUTHOR. 


Binder 
G*ylord  Bros 
c        Makers 
&yracuse,  N  V 
' 


